Now is the time buy and decorate a living Christmas tree. These live trees with roots will need a large container to hold the root ball while indoors. Water regularly so the roots dont dry out, but dont allow water to sit for extended periods in the bottom of the container. Living Christmas trees need to be planted outside before Jan. 1. Choose a location that is suited for your tree in terms of size and sunlight. Next year, add some lights!
Paperwhite narcissus are blooming in the garden and in my greenhouse — just in time for the holidays. Whether you use live plants or cut stems, the beautiful, fragrant flowers add elegance to any holiday occasion. Because the fragrance is strong, its best to use these away from food and food serving areas.
This is the best time of year to move and transplant trees and shrubs. Your success rate will be close to 100 percent because of the cooler, wetter weather.
Keep the bird feeders full. Your feathered friends are depending on you as a primary food source. When hard freezes are predicted, be sure to empty the water from birdbaths to prevent cracking.
December is a great time to buy and plant perennials, shrubs and trees. Just be sure that the soil is not muddy.
In the vegetable garden, plant onion sets now.
I love amaryllis. This large bulb is easy to grow and produces huge trumpet shaped flowers during the holidays. Amaryllis grow in bright light, moist soil and cool conditions. Remove flowers as they fade.
Did you know that poinsettias are not poisonous? In fact, the Aztecs used these plants for dyes and medicine. But, they are not edible either. Accidental ingestion will cause a tummy ache.
Prune rose Knockout now. Use hedge trimmers to cut these hardy shrubs 8 to 12 inches from the ground. If your roses are still blooming like mine, wait until after Christmas.
Todd Goulding provides residential landscape design consultations. Contact him at 345-0719, GouldingDesignGroup.com or on Facebook.
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