Yes, You Can Enjoy Your Yard in December! Here's How

by Sheila Schmitz · 9 photos · 8 comments

California. "'Yuletide' Sasanqua camellia (USDA zones 7–10) has the right color and timetable for holiday display," says California garden editor Bill Marken. "It blooms in late fall and early winter, bright red with a yellow center. The evergreen shrub is tall and slender for a Sasanqua, perfect for a narrow slot. Look for a blooming plant now, and put it in a pot near the front door."

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by Monrovia

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Southwest. "While the holidays often bring on busy activities, there's no reason these times cannot include downtime to enjoy your own surroundings," writes New Mexico landscape designer David Cristiani. "Any size garden can create a hospitable welcome and be a memorable entertainment space for guests and homeowners alike. Luminarias add a touch of regional ambience to the holiday scene."

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Northwest. "In just a few minutes, you can spruce up your container gardens to be ready for the holidays," writes Washington container garden designer Karen Chapman. "Simply tuck in a few decorations, cones and cut evergreen boughs."

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by Le jardinet

traditional landscape by Paintbox Garden

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Northeast. "Feeders hung from branches or wrought iron poles set in strategic locations can provide many hours of viewing pleasure," writes Vermont landscape designer Charlotte Albers. "Be sure to install your feeder poles before the ground freezes solid. It's true that birds are the flowers of the winter garden, bringing color and joy!"

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by Paintbox Garden

traditional landscape by Gardening with Confidence®

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Southeast. "Whip out your clippers and look around your garden," writes North Carolina gardener Helen Yoest. "December is a prime time to prune evergreens anyway. Burford, Foster and Nelly Stevens hollies usually have good color on their berries now. Recut the stems at an angle and insert them in a bucket of warm water for several hours to condition before using."

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by Gardening with Confidence®

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Great Lakes. "Instead of buying a front-door wreath, fill a vintage ice skate with greenery from the garden," suggests garden coach Barbara Pintozzi. "A small round of floral foam stuck in the neck of the boot supports the trimmings. Spray conifer greenery with an antidessicant to keep it fresh, and add small ornaments or candy canes to complete the look."

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by Barbara Pintozzi

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Texas. "This is your last chance, in most cases, to plant bulbs — and the first part of the month is the best time," says garden designer Jenny Peterson. "Plant daffodils, hyacinths, Louisiana irises, jonquils, cannas, gladiolus and dahlias."

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by Statile & Todd

landscape by The Garden Consultants, Inc.

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Rocky Mountains. Mix evergreen boughs, brightly colored branches, berries, pinecones and seed heads for potted arrangements, wreaths and swags for outdoor decor that will last through the holidays, suggests Colorado landscape designer Jocelyn H. Chilvers. "Not enough variety of materials to choose from in your own garden? Plan a cuttings exchange party with a friend or two."

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by The Garden Consultants, Inc.

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Central Plains. "A simple rain chain is something neat to have outside in winter, and it catches the crisp sunlight like an engagement ring’s diamond," writes Benjamin Vogt, a Nebraska native prairie garden consultant. "You know, it is that time of year. Maybe a rain chain would be a better option for your sweetheart?"

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by Benjamin Vogt

Comments

kennedytarheel My brother in Northern Virginia has a "yuletide" camellia by his front door that is a show stopper: loaded with blooms! I am waiting for my two-color camellia to bloom...they are wonderful additions to the landscape, especially located near the home so that we can see them!

6 months ago · Like ·

Gail I live in the Northwest, well Wyoming actually. I love all things rustic, so the pine cone, pine bows and ornaments of picture #3 as well as the rustic bird house in #4, they bring such peace to me. I also love the copper rain chain filled with ice cycles, would be so perfect here as well. Great idea book overall. Thank you.

6 months ago · Like

frenchdecor some very cute ideas thank you

6 months ago · Like