Gardening in December. Is there such a thing?
Well, it all depends on the region where you garden, the frequency of mild winter days and your devotion to gardening. Over the years, I’ve often said there’s always something to do in the garden no matter the season, and that includes the month of December.
Some perennials keep their colorful foliage throughout winter. Heuchera, also known as coral bells, are perfect examples. Heuchera come in many different varieties, with different leaf sizes and different color tones. Most gardeners I know tend to plant just a few varieties, sticking to their favorites. As for me, well, I want all the varieties in my garden.
As a flower farmer, I love seeing a winter garden filled with a wide selection of heuchera. Their leaves come in handy for adding interest to the floral pieces I create. So, my suggestion to you is to plant as many heuchera as you have room for. They will ensure that your winter garden comes alive.
Pictured above is Heuchera Master Painter Van Gogh, a new variety here at K. van Bourgondien. It’s a beautiful addition to the garden no matter the season.
Of course, as the days grow colder and shorter, plant growth will come to a near halt. But that doesn’t mean you can’t garden. Here’s a list of a few things you can do in the garden during the month of December.
- Finish planting any spring-flowering bulbs. Plant before the end of December. If you plant too late, the flowers may be fewer in quantity and smaller in size.
- Plant more perennials (for example, hellebores) if the ground has not yet frozen.
- Stroll through your garden and check on your tender perennials. It’s possible they may need extra protection from the frigid temps. Protect them by adding a layer of compost around their base, raking autumn leaves up around them or adding a good quality mulch.
- Identify the empty spots in your garden, and check whether the soil needs amending. Take notes about these spaces, their soil-amendment needs and their suitability for plants you might want to grow there. Consider questions like these: Does the location provide the sun or shade you need for particular plants? Is the space better for tall plants or short ones? Is this a good spot for growing annuals from seed, or would a perennial shrub do better here? And what color would work in this location? Do you want to stick with the current color scheme or mix things up a bit?
This list will certainly keep you busy while you continue to garden outdoors.
Here at the farm, we always work inch by inch toward our gardening goals. So, remember this: Creating the garden you picture in your mind takes time. Accepting this fact helps make the gardening journey more enjoyable and rewarding.
My next blog post will have you bringing your gardening indoors. Till then, happy gardening!
Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden