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Gardening Tips for December
Tis the season to be jolly… isn’t that
what they say? If it’s the season to be jolly, how come everyone I talk
to is anything but jolly? Stressed about shopping, family gatherings,
decorating, money… you name it, someone is stressed out about it. Did
you know that gardening helps to reduce stress for many people? There’s
something about the nurturing nature of gardening that makes us all feel
better on the inside. Yeah, but it’s winter, right? There are many
things that you can do in the winter that can give you that ‘just in
from the garden feeling’. Here are just a few ideas that might help you
avoid getting the winter blahs, and just might help to reduce your
stress level as well!
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Get a fresh cut
Christmas tree! Take the family out to your local nursery and pick
out your Christmas tree! Live trees bring wonderful fragrance into
your home and are so much fun to decorate! The natural branch
spacing is perfect for ornaments of all shapes and sizes! For
information on selecting and caring for your fresh Christmas tree
log on to
ohioline.osu.edu/for-fact/0049.html
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 Get
a poinsettia, give a poinsettia. The only thing better than getting
is giving, right? Poinsettias come in a plethora of colors and are
sure to brighten anyone’s day! The ICN Pro at your local garden
center will be able to give you tips on keeping your poinsettia
looking its best. If you have children, grandchildren, or if you
have never read it yourself, you should read Tomie dePaola’s The
Legend of the Poinsettia. Be sure to check out these web pages
regarding poinsettia care and the poinsettia legend.
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The Christmas
Cactus is another fantastic plant for the winter months. There are
a few different species. Some bloom around Thanksgiving, others
closer to Christmas. Lighting plays a key role in bloom time.
Christmas cactus’ are long-lived plants and often become family
heirlooms. For more helpful information on caring for your
Christmas cactus:
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There are many
houseplants to choose from that can help to clean the air in your
home or office space. Be aware that some common houseplants are
toxic to animals and children. Check out the following web sites for
general houseplant identification and care, and to find out which
ones might pose a risk to your children and pets.
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Bring some
fresh cut greens inside. They bring wonderful fragrance, and are
fantastic to use on mantels, or as a swag on your door. You’re sure
to find many spots to use them, indoors and out! Outside, try using
the greens with contrasting colored branches, like Red or Yellow
Twig Dogwood or holly in your pots, or window boxes.
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Hang some
lights! You don’t have to go all out and have lights on every roof
edge, tree, and window. The simple addition of lights on a single
tree, or around your patio can be stunning. Many garden centers and
nurseries have crews that can come and hang the lights for you! And,
they also have crews that can help take them down!
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Let it
snow! There are few things as beautiful as a cool, crisp morning and
a sparkly fresh snowfall. But as beautiful as it may be, sooner or
later we need to get some of that snow out of the way so we can get
to school, work or the coffee shop. Many garden centers and
nurseries have a snow removal service! Check with yours and get on
their list now!
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Force some
bulbs! Hyacinths, paper whites, grape hyacinth, and crocus are all
bulbs that are pretty easy to force into bloom indoors. Some may
require a cold period, before they will bloom well. Forced bulbs are
excellent gift ideas and their happy faces can chase away the winter
blahs from the weariest gardener! For more information and step by
step instructions:
www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-19.pdf
Your local garden
centers and nurseries are ready willing and able to help you with all of
your needs this winter! Whether it be potting soil and pots for your
new houseplants, bulbs to force indoors, or snow removal….your
local garden centers
can help!
 by Carey
Boehm-Corrie, ICN Pro of the
Year (2003), Boehm's Garden Center,
Rushville, IL
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