All dressed up for the holidays at Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, B.C.
December Garden Chores
December snow in Courtney, BC
In This Issue
A welcoming bit of bling.
New Videos: Preparing a Climbing Rose for Winter - Preparing the Garden for Winter - Gift certificates - Christmas Trees - Fellow Gardeners - December Garden Stars - Christmas Crafts - Birds - Hummingbirds in Winter - December Garden Chores - December Flower Arrangement - Plant of the Month: Dawn Redwood
Fellow Gardeners..
Hello Fellow Gardeners,
It’s officially winter and the garden is resting. You can stop gardening now. It’s cold and wet and it's just a matter of time that the weather will turn nasty. 'Tis the season after all. It's a tough gardening month and not just because it's chilly and damp, it gets dark way too early. I just get into the swing of things when the sun disappears, and then cold seeps into my bones. It makes me shiver just thinking about it. And that's why I try my best to get the garden put away for winter before I stumble upon December as it rushes towards me. I would like to rest on my laurels, but alas, that is not to be because it’s also Christmas. It’s time to ransack the garden for some greenery to decorate the house. Cedar boughs smell divine, and they look fabulously festive when draped over the mantlepiece. I confess I love fairy lights as they stop the darkness from creeping in on grey days. Even if it snows and the garden becomes a winter wonderland, I still like those little lights. Wishing you a magical sparkly Christmas and a very pleasant December. All my best to you. Amanda 
New Garden videos
Weatherproofing a climbing rose for winter. Click on the pic to be redirected.
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Serving Metro Vancouver. Click here to fill out the form. December's Floral Arrangement
December 2024
Red holly & skimmia berries are surrounded by pampas grass seed heads. For specifics and for other arrangements go to Monthly Flower Arrangements
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December Garden Stars
Heavenly bamboo, Nandina domestica, broadleaf evergreen, not a bamboo, white June flowers, orange berries, red fall colour, sun to shade, 3-8’ x 2-4’. Zones 8 to 10. Click on pic for more
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'Yuletide' winter camellia, Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide', broadleaf evergreen shrub, fragrant winter flowers, sun to part shade, 6’ to 14’ x 5’ to 7’. Zones 7 to 9. Click on pic for more.
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Variegated English holly, Ilex aquifolium 'Argentea Marginata', broadleaf evergreen, part to full sun, 15’-20’ x 8’-12’, need female for berries & male pollinator. Zones 6 to 9.
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Winterberry, Gaultheria procumbens, broadleaf evergreen groundcover, 6” x 1’, white blooms June to July, part shade, shade. Zones 3 to 8. Click on pic for more,
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Oregon Grape Holly, Mahonia aquifolium, grows 3-6' x 2-5'. Sprays of yellow flowers in April. Full sun to shade. Zones 5 to 8. Click on pic for more.
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Mountain ash, Sorbus aucuparia, deciduous tree, 20 to 40ft x 10 to 20ft, spring flowers, berry clusters follow. Sun, dislikes drought, Zones 5 to 6. Click on pic for more.
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Barberry, Berberis thunbergii, a thorny, deciduous shrub, 3 to 6' tall, 4 to 7' wide, yellow flowers in April to May, red berries in fall, full sun. Zone 4-8.
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Snowberry, Symphoricarpos albus, deciduous shrub, 3-6 ft tall & wide, pink summer blooms, white winter berries, sun. Zones 3 to 7. Click on the pic for more.
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Beautyberry, Callicarpa bodinieri, North American deciduous shrub, 6-10', sun to part shade. Zones 6-8. Click on pic for more.
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Strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, broadleaf evergreen, 10’-20’ tall & wide, fragrant, fruit & flowers at the same time Oct to Dec. Zones 7 to 9. Click on pic for more.
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Rockspray cotoneaster, Cotoneaster horizontalis, deciduous shrub, 2’-3’ x 6’-8’, small white flowers May to June followed by red berries. Zones 5 to 7.
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Emerald & Gold wintercreeper, Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald & Gold', broadleaf evergreen, 3' x 4', sun to part shade. Zones 5 to 8. Click on pick for more.
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Holiday Ideas From the Garden
Click on the pic above for instructions on how to make a garland.
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Cedar boughs and holly sprigs surround a Green Man sconce.
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Add some seasonal cheer from the garden with evergreen branches, interesting twigs, pine cones, colourful berries and dried leaves. Here are some ideas that are simple and fun to make. Check out Christmas Wreaths for instructions on how to make many of the wreaths below, and for garland instructions click here.
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A planter with a dwarf cypress is converted to a winter scene.
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Faux rose hips and yew twigs on a wire hanger.
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Painted black hydrangeas on a grapevine wreath with feathers.
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Rose hips surround pine cones, ivy and cedar.
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Sprigs of Douglas fir, pine cones & faux ivy wrap around a wire hanger.
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A swag of cedar
& Emerald n' Gold wintercreeper.
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Dried hydrangeas & faux fruit on a grapevine wreath.
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Christmas Elf, click on pic for instructions.
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December Garden Chores
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Play it safe and add water to the tree's reservoir daily. Don't forget!
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Know the type of Christmas tree you want before shopping for one.
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Fresh trees have supple needles that don't fall off when touched.
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Living Christmas trees are available to rent. Brilliant!
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Oodles of decorations select a tree with many sturdy branches.
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Christmas Trees: Picking out a Christmas tree can be quite daunting. There’s so many different types of firs, pines and spruces, some are flocked and some maybe potted. Potted Christmas trees aka Living Christmas trees, saves time and money as you don’t have to get a new tree every year. Or plant it in your garden. Another option is to rent a living potted Christmas tree then return it after the holidays. Search online for Rent Christmas Trees for a location near you. To learn more about all the different types of Christmas trees, their care, potted Christmas trees care, tree disposal, click on Christmas Trees.
A purple poinsettia? Why not.
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The yellow beads in the centre are the real poinsettia flowers.
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This poinsettia's flowers have dropped off and will not last long.
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Poinsettias: Although poinsettias are considered temporary houseplants, they should at least last the holidays. Selecting a fresh plant is important for longevity. Look for ones that have little yellow buds that resembles chicks in the centre. If they are not there, then the plant is past its prime. To learn more about poinsettias as a gift plant and as a tropical shrub, click here.
To prevent amaryllis stems from bending, rotate 15 degrees every few days.
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Kalanchoes need bright light and go easy on the water.
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Avoid overwatering African violets and place them in bright light.
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Gift Plants: Amaryllis, Christmas cactus, African violets, kalanchoe and orchids are common gift plants during the holidays. They bring cheer, colour, beauty and life to the chilly winter months and make super gifts. To keep them looking good, treat them right. None of them like cold draughts from doors and windows, alternately keep them away from heating vents. They need lots of light and don’t overwater. Apply water when the top ¼” of the soil is dry to the touch. For more tips click on Houseplant Winter Care.
This is a Christmas cactus.
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This is a Thanksgiving cactus.
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Moth orchids are easy to grow, and apparently easy to kill, if you know what I mean.
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Christmas Cactus: Sometimes they just don’t flower. The reasons could be that it isn’t a Christmas cactus after all; maybe it’s a Thanksgiving or Easter cactus. They also need certain conditions for them to set bud. For more click here.
Moth Orchids: Phalaenopsis orchids, aka moth orchids, are a popular gift during the holiday season. They are so beautiful they are difficult to resist, even for orchid killers - yes, they exist and you maybe one of them. Fear not orchid-loving-killers, I have a few tips and techniques on keeping these gorgeous tropical beauties alive and flowering. Click on Orchids for more information.
Moth Orchids: Phalaenopsis orchids, aka moth orchids, are a popular gift during the holiday season. They are so beautiful they are difficult to resist, even for orchid killers - yes, they exist and you maybe one of them. Fear not orchid-loving-killers, I have a few tips and techniques on keeping these gorgeous tropical beauties alive and flowering. Click on Orchids for more information.
DIY with fancy twigs and greenery available at local plant nurseries & garden centres.
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A summer planter before it was updated for the holidays.
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The same summer planter after festive bling was added.
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An renewed summer planter with Scotch broom twigs, faux ivy, Douglas fir and a ceramic bird.
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Evergreen branches, red twig dogwood, pine cones and dried leek flowers.
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Easy Peasy Festive Planters: To convert summer planters into holly, jolly works of art, gather a few cut branches from lush evergreens, stems with berries and branches with attractive bark or am interesting shape. Stick the branches into the soil then feel free to add some pinecones, Christmas baubles and maybe a big colourful bow. Follow up with some Christmas lights. For more click on 10-steps-to-a-festive-planter.
A snow crushed Green Spire euonymus.
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Broken branches must be tended to asap.
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Use a brush to remove heavy snow from drooping branches.
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Unclog storm drains to prevent flooding.
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Garden Inspections: It just makes sense to check out the garden after any inclement weather. Be prepared for broken branches, upended trees, snow crushed plants and flooded gardens.
Flood Prevention: Clean out gutters and remove all debris from storm drains and catch basins. Inspect them regularly and clean them out when needed, especially after bad weather.
Flood Prevention: Clean out gutters and remove all debris from storm drains and catch basins. Inspect them regularly and clean them out when needed, especially after bad weather.
A light dusting of snow on the potager garden.
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Before placing mulch on top of the soil, pull out those darned weeds.
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Straw mulch & a cloche protects lettuce plants. Click on the pic for more.
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If you live where the ground doesn't freeze, harvest root crops as you need them.
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Garden & Veggie beds: Rain, snow, wind, icy cold weather combined with the warm days and chilly nights wreaks havoc on exposed soil and plant roots. Protect the soil by placing 3 inches of fallen leaves, bagged wood chipped mulch or even lay a thick layer of newspaper on top of the ground. Mulch also is an effective way to stop weeds (yay!), erosion and the loss of soil nutrients. Straw works well for veggie beds. Note that the thinner the layer, the easier it is for it to blow away, so pile it on.
Harvest: Keep carrots, parsnips, leeks in the ground; just pull them out when you need them. Same thing goes for cabbage, winter peas, kale, chard, Brussel sprouts and other winter crops, just harvest as needed. To protect them from the cold, add a thick layer of straw or shredded newspaper.
Harvest: Keep carrots, parsnips, leeks in the ground; just pull them out when you need them. Same thing goes for cabbage, winter peas, kale, chard, Brussel sprouts and other winter crops, just harvest as needed. To protect them from the cold, add a thick layer of straw or shredded newspaper.
Slugs are making a meal out of this poor primrose.
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Handpick snails & slugs if you are not squeamish.
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Keep off frosty grass as it breaks the leaf blades from their roots.
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Slugs/Snails: Hungry mollusks don’t take a break during the winter - if the ground isn’t frozen and covered with snow. Primroses and perennials that have the nerve to stay green when everything else is dormant, are vulnerable. By the time spring rolls around, all that’s left are tattered eaten leaves and flowers. There are many ways to protect these brave little plants from baits to barriers, however plucking them off plants and dropping them into a cup of salty water is an instant fix and rather satisfying. Here’s more on Slugs.
Lawns: Keep off frozen grass! If there’s no snow yet and it isn’t frozen, rake any remaining leaves into garden beds.
Lawns: Keep off frozen grass! If there’s no snow yet and it isn’t frozen, rake any remaining leaves into garden beds.
Move most products to a frost-free, dry area. The shed needs sorting out anyway - ahem.
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Keep leather & suede products indoors to prevent mould.
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Store 'barrows upside down.
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Ceramic & terracotta pots will crack if left outside.
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Storing Garden Products: Unless your shed and garage is heated and dry, remove all the fertilizers, liquids, dormant oil & lime sulfur and store in a frost free and dry location. Store leather holsters and gloves where its dry so they don't turn green and mouldy. Store wheelbarrows vertically or upside down so they don’t collect water and snow. Clean and sharpen lawn mower blades then store mowers and other equipment in a dry, protected location. Drain garden hoses, remove nozzles, and sprinklers. Drain outside faucets by shutting off the interior shut off valve to the water line leading to the outside faucet. Cover outdoor pipes with insulating sleeves and faucets with insulating covers available at hardware stores and Amazon. Bring in all ceramic, clay pots and statues to prevent them from cracking.
Clean & oil garden tools before putting them away.
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Pam vegetable oil is a handy lubricant for all tools.
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Store pruning gear in a dry location to prevent rust, corrosion & mould.
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Tools: Scrub and scrape debris from shovels, spades, rakes and pruning gear. Wipe down then spray with Pam or another vegetable oil spray. Disinfect pruning tools by mixing equal parts of original Lysol or PineSol in a spray bottle. Let sit for a minute or two then wipe off. Another option is to spray them with 70% rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe off then spray with vegetable oil. Store in a dry location over the winter.
Prepare ponds for winter. LaPlante's cute froggy pond pictured.
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Wait to prune magnolias until after they flower.
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Wait for January, February and March to do any pruning.
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Ponds: To prevent mould, algae and other nasties from killing fish, ruining the pond and any other water garden feature, remove all the fall leaves and other organic debris. Trim any water plants back and cover the pond with netting. Here’s more on Ponds in Winter.
Pruning: Just remove or cut back branches that are in the way of walking by, broken, dead and diseased ones. Wait until winter to do major pruning but avoid cutting back spring flowering plants as you will remove their upcoming flowers.
Pruning: Just remove or cut back branches that are in the way of walking by, broken, dead and diseased ones. Wait until winter to do major pruning but avoid cutting back spring flowering plants as you will remove their upcoming flowers.
Use eco & pet friendly products on icy paths.
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Salt damage is common on lawns next to paths.
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This David viburnum is either suffering from salt burn or winterkill. It's hard to tell.
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Ice, Ice Baby: Salt works wonders to make icy paths safe to walk on, however it’s toxic to plants and soil . Avoid using it near plants, gardens and lawns. You’ll find victims along salted paths and driveways. Symptoms of salt damage resemble winterkill with shriveled leaves and crispy, brown edges. Luckily there are numerous less damaging products available including organic salt-free de-icer. For homemade solutions use kitty litter, sand, alfalfa meal or coffee grounds.
Before a storm ensure all shed & greenhouse windows & doors are closed.
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Bring in or secure all lose items before bad weather.
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Hire ISA certified arborists,
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Secure trampolines.
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Before A Storm: Make sure shed and garage doors and windows are closed. Clean all drains to prevent flooding, including the city’s storm drains near your property. Bring cushions and other soft furnishings out of the weather. Remove or anchor trellises, empty pots and anything else that can fly away in high wind, including trampolines and outdoor umbrellas.
After a Storm: Check the garden for broken branches, downed trees and plants squashed under heavy snow. Contact hydro or your utility provider for any downed power lines. Call professional arborists, ISA certified, to remove large tree limbs and fallen trees. No climbing trees!
After a Storm: Check the garden for broken branches, downed trees and plants squashed under heavy snow. Contact hydro or your utility provider for any downed power lines. Call professional arborists, ISA certified, to remove large tree limbs and fallen trees. No climbing trees!
Wrap tender plants from head to toe.
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Tie conifers so they keep their shape under heavy snow.
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Mounded leaves provide winter protection to a rose.
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Cover garden beds with a thick layer of fall foliage.
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Protect overwintering potted plants by piling on leaves or straw.
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Protect Plants: If you haven’t wrapped tender plants, do so now as it isn’t too late. Use frost blankets (available at garden centres, hardware & dollar stores), multiple layers of burlap, sheets, tablecloths and other breathable fabric. Avoid plastic as plants tend to rot as there’s no air circulation and it isn’t warm. For more click on Winterize Your Garden
Protect the Garden: Cover bare ground with fall leaves, straw (excellent option for veggie beds), or wood chips, which are available at garden centres and hardware stores. Place a thick 3 inch layer over top of the soil, and on top of perennials to give them some winter protection. In spring, remove the winter mulch from on top of plants, but keep the remaining mulch on top of the soil to add nutrients and to prevent erosion. Mulch is a good thing.
Protect the Garden: Cover bare ground with fall leaves, straw (excellent option for veggie beds), or wood chips, which are available at garden centres and hardware stores. Place a thick 3 inch layer over top of the soil, and on top of perennials to give them some winter protection. In spring, remove the winter mulch from on top of plants, but keep the remaining mulch on top of the soil to add nutrients and to prevent erosion. Mulch is a good thing.
Dig up dahlias if you haven't already done so.
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Cure dahlias before storing.
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Plant bulbs, if the ground isn't frozen.
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Order plant catalogues.
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Dahlias, Tuberous Begonias & Tender Bulbs: If you haven’t hauled them out of the garden and stored them already, get to it. It’s not too late to save them. Check on those for ones that are already in storage to make sure they aren’t rotting, dried out or frozen. For more click on Dahlias – Tuberous Begonias
Spring Flowers Bulbs: Is it too late? Well, if the ground is frozen, yes, but if you can still dig a hole in the ground – you are set. Another option is to add them to existing planters or just plant them up in an empty plant pot filled with potting soil. Just plant them a little deeper than recommended. Cover with a thick 3 inch layer of fall leaves. To keep them warm over the winter, bury the pots in the ground, the compost bin or wrap the pot with bubble wrap or insulation. Here's more on bulbs.
Order Seed & Plant Catalogues: Pouring through catalogues during the winter months is a pleasant pastime for gardeners and non-gardeners alike. Order early to avoid disappointment of sold out plants, seeds and merchandise. Here’s a list of awesome Catalogues.
Spring Flowers Bulbs: Is it too late? Well, if the ground is frozen, yes, but if you can still dig a hole in the ground – you are set. Another option is to add them to existing planters or just plant them up in an empty plant pot filled with potting soil. Just plant them a little deeper than recommended. Cover with a thick 3 inch layer of fall leaves. To keep them warm over the winter, bury the pots in the ground, the compost bin or wrap the pot with bubble wrap or insulation. Here's more on bulbs.
Order Seed & Plant Catalogues: Pouring through catalogues during the winter months is a pleasant pastime for gardeners and non-gardeners alike. Order early to avoid disappointment of sold out plants, seeds and merchandise. Here’s a list of awesome Catalogues.
An unprotected planter suffers through winter's wrath.
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From top to bottom, this planter is protected.
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Another option is to bury planters and place straw or fall leaves overtop.
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Protect Container Grown Plants: Potted plants are vulnerable to winterkill if they are exposed to winter weather. To protect them, bury the pots in the garden and cover them with fall foliage, straw or even more soil. Alternately, place them against the house or another sheltered area. Wrap the pot with bubble wrap, insulation etc. Wrap any exposed plants with fabric, frost blanket, and avoid plastic as it causes plants to rot and doesn’t keep plants warm.
Plant of the month
Dawn Redwood
In the summertime.
In the winter.
Foliage is soft and green.
In autumnal dress.
A young dawn redwood shows its already impressive trunk.
New spring foliage.
Leaves are arranged opposite each other.
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Common Name: dawn redwood
Botanical Name: Metasequoia glyptostroboides Form: upright pyramidal, conical Family: Cupressaceae Genus: Metasequoia Species: glyptostroboides Plant Type: deciduous conifer Mature Size: up to 100’ to 165’ tall x 12 – 25’ wide Growth: fast Origin: China Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8 Foliage: opposite soft flattened green needles that are not retained throughout the winter, 1.25”, rust coloured fall foliage Flowers: ¼” cones contain pollen, arranged in opposite pairs in four rows that dangle down in long tresses Fruit: 1-inch cone Exposure: full sun Soil: prefers organic rich loam, well-drained, acidic, tolerant of damp soils but intolerant of dry and alkaline conditions Uses: landscape specimen, street tree, parks, Invasive Tendencies: no Tolerates: moist, wet soils Propagation: cuttings in early spring, seed Pruning: only remove dead, diseased and damaged branches. Problems: spider mites where conditions are dry, gets too big for most gardens Comments: Dawn redwoods, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, are magnificent, majestic trees that existed millions of years ago. Since then, they haven’t changed at all, according to their fossils that date back to the Cenomanian era. The dawn redwood tree is a ‘living fossil’ and is the only living species of the genus Metasequoia. Dawn redwoods are one of a few fast-growing conifers, growing up to 3 feet every year. They bear small cones, however they are not evergreen, like most other conifers. In spring their silky soft green needles emerge then mature to an emerald green during the summer. In autumn, their foliage turns an exquisite reddish brown before they fall to the ground. Once the leaves are gone, their unusual twisted unworldly furrowed and fluted trunks are revealed. As trees age, their trunks become more fanciful, like fairy tale trees with their contorted, deeply furrowed bark. Dawn redwoods don’t need any pruning as they are perfectly shaped pyramids with a wide buttressed trunk. The flared trunk provides a stable base for this gigantic tree that grows to over 100 feet. Despite its size, it’s becoming popular in urban gardens as it has many attributes. It’s not just beautiful, it’s magnificent and it looks great no matter what the season. Its bark is quite remarkable, especially in the winter and its leaves are so very soft and a lovely green. Their fiery fall colour is an added bonus. As with many primitive trees, dawn redwoods are monoecious, which means they bear two types of cones on the same plant: male and female. The light brown female oval cones are ¾” long whilst the male ½” cones dangle down in long tresses. Note that cones are not produced in colder climates. Dawn redwoods do best in rich, moist and loamy soils but perform poorly in dry soils. Select a sunny location, preferably in protected areas in more northern growing zones. Before considering purchasing and planting a dawn redwood remember they are not just immensely tall, they grow quickly so make sure there is enough space for them to grow below and above ground. 
Dawn redwood cones.
Dawn redwoods fire up the woods at VanDusen Botanical Gardens.
Fall colour.
A close-up of their undulating bark.
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Dawn redwood reflections in the pond at Delta's Rotary Park.
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THE GARDEN WEBSITE INDEX
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for the tropical Gardener
While working in Florida as horticultural consultant, it became apparent that there was a need for a book on tropical shrubs. There are so many wonderful shrubs to choose from, so I wrote a reference book to make the selections easier. Ornamental Tropical Shrubs includes pictures in full colour and information about the plants in point form. So if you live in the tropics and subtropics and need a reference book on tropical shrubs, or you just want to have a look-see click here.
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