Dripping Gardening December 24

Who says winter's not gardening season? Sure, you might not be able to plant fall mums right in the middle of December, but the way I see it, greenery and flowers are even more necessary around the holidays, adding color, life, and cheer to your home on even the chilliest of days. Their value is often underestimated (especially when compared to more obvious holiday elements like Christmas cookies), but make no mistake: Plants are a huge, important part of holiday décor.

Three of my favorites are poinsettias, Christmas cacti, and rosemary.

Poinsettias are nearly as classic as Christmas movies! Just remember to cover your poinsettia when bringing it home, especially if conditions are cold and windy, and don't leave it in the car while you run errands. Water when dry to the touch. The most reliable way to kill a poinsettia is root rot from overwatering. Remove the foil or pot cover (or poke holes in it) that's around the plant when you buy to ensure it's not sitting in water. Water sparingly, then let drain completely in the sink.

Christmas cacti are so pretty, they just might rival the beauty of the ornaments on your tree. These are one of the hardier holiday plants and can last for years and years. Place in a bright window. Flower buds that drop before opening may be caused by warm temperatures or overly dry soil. Water when dry, but don't let the plant sit in water. They're a succulent and the pads get soft and mushy if you overwater, I recommend that you check the pot every seven to 10 days.

Rosemary is often sheared into a topiary or pyramidal shape to mimic a Christmas tree. Its fresh piney scent is invigorating in the middle of a dreary winter and it is a savory herb that is a wonderful addition to stews and roasts. Place in bright light in a south or west-facing window. The more light the better or it tends to drop leaves. Keep the soil evenly moist by checking the pot every few days. The number one most common mistake with rosemary is underwatering. These plants are Mediterranean, but they don't like to dry out completely. Move it outside as soon as your area is frost-free, typically sometime in late March or April. Fertilize every few months with a slow-release pellet-type product, and let it grow naturally. You don't need to maintain the topiary or pyramidal shape unless you prefer it.

Worried your plants won't make it till the end of the season? Think again, many holiday plants can thrive for years with the right conditions and care. Of course, just like with any garden, it's important to stay on top of your plants' watering and tending schedule—but if you do, you'll reap the beautiful, red-and-green benefits. 

This time of year can be so hectic and busy that we often forget to stop and thank the people we ought to thank. So, I want to take a moment to thank all of you who have read my weekly mutterings and especially those who visit my website and leave such nice comments about what I have written. I appreciate being able to provide a bit of garden wit and wisdom every week and your support and enjoyment of my articles makes that possible. So thank you all, may you have the happiest of holidays and the best in the new year.

And now, with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore who penned “The Night Before Christmas” in 1823, I offer my rendition of his Christmas classic.

'Twas just before Christmas when all through the yard,

Not a veggie was growing, not even Swiss chard.

The tools were all hung, in the back shed with care, 

A well-deserved rest now the garden ware bare.

The perennials nestled all snug in their beds

While visions of 5-10-5 danced in their heads.

The roses were dormant and mulched all around

To protect them from damage when frost’s on the ground.

I in my jammies and my wife with the cat,

Had just settled in for a long winter’s chat.

Or was it me with a beer and my wife with her wine,

Had just settled in for some nice TV time?

When out in the garden I heard a big noise,

I leapt from the couch and tripped over some toys.

Away to the back door in four seconds flat,

Flipped open the door and tripped on the mat.

And what to my wondering eyes should appear

But a truck full of gifts of gardening gear.

Saint Nick was the driver - the jolly old elf

And he winked as he said, "I'm a gardener myself.”

Then up near the rooftop the truck it drew near,

And Santa hopped up there with no sense of fear.

I closed the back door and was just turning around,

When down the chimney he came, his butt hitting the ground.

He stood up quite quickly and went straight to his work,

He knew that I watched him, and he gave me a smirk,

I could tell right away that this dude was not dumb,

For under his glove he hid a green thumb!

Gifts under the tree with not a single bow marred, 

Then quickly he dashed out the door to the yard.

A bundle of seedlings he had flung on his back,

And he found that my garden looked very sad sack.

His trowel how it twinkled, and his hoe was so shiny!

His spade was brand new but his gloves a bit grimy,

His droll little mouth was drawn up in a smile,

As he worked garden tool magic in a whimsical style.

He spoke not a word and he gardened so quick,

I thought to myself, “Now, this guy is slick.”

Cleaned beds were filled with so many veggies and plants,

That I started to do my best happy dance.

Finished, he lay his shovel down next to his hoe,

back to his truck, time for this gardener to go.

But I heard him exclaim over the motor's soft hum,

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a green thumb!"