OUTDOOR GARDEN CARE
INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL
With dusty weather and vacation misdirection , we may leave that invasive enemies are still at work . See thisarticlefrom the Blue Ridge PRISM ( Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management ) on identify and treat invading industrial plant in wintertime .
HOLIDAY TIPS
TREES
resilient tree or artificial?For some families , this is a head revisited each time of year . See this pastarticlefromThe Garden Shedfor key points to consider .
For tips on theselection and care of Christmas trees , plus a verbal description of type of trees , see thisarticlefrom NC State Extension .
Some people like to plant aliving Christmas tree , either potted or balled - and - burlapped , into their landscape painting after the holiday season . For tips on selection and tutelage of trees purchase for planting outside , see thisarticlefrom NC State Extension .
General vacation tree care steer :
HOLIDAY GREENS AND BOXWOOD BLIGHT
Be very mindful of the threat ofboxwood blightwhen bring anyboxwood greens or boxwood wreaths into your home . For more info on boxwood blight , see“Boxwood Blight Alert”in the November 2018 emergence ofThe Garden Shed , as well as information from theBoxwood Blight Task Force . Don’t unwittingly lend to the spread of Turkish boxwood blight by carelessly cast out out boxwood super acid used for holiday ribbon . Err on the side of care – double - udder boxwood greens securely and dispose of them in the landfill . Do not bring them to the compost pile . Buy boxwood greens from commissioned vendor that can provide a copy of their Boxwood Blight Cleanliness Program Agreement .
HOLIDAY flora
Poinsettiais the plant life most oft name with holiday decorating . Give this works Lord’s Day for at least ½ day ; ideal dark temperature is in the 50s to 60 . Keep the plant aside from bill of exchange , heat registers , and fireplaces . Soil should dry only somewhat between thorough watering . Be certain to poke drainage kettle of fish in ornamental enhancer or hit transparency to keep the dirt from becoming sloppy .
After buying poinsettias , protect them from stale on the way home . pic to icy temperature for even a few present moment may cause injury .
Holiday cacti , including Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti , are other popular plants for the holiday . cookery should begin 6 - 8 weeks before desire flowers . These conditions are recommended for good blossoming :
For more information on vacation cacti , see this pastarticlefromThe Garden Shed .
Cyclamenis another vacation plant option . The houseplant , or florist ’s Cyclamen purpurascens ( Cyclamen persicum ) , is a tuberous potted plant that flowers during the winter calendar month . It has adorable , heart - form fleeceable leaf dapple with Ag . flush issue forth in shade of snowy , pink , rose , purplish , and red . Cyclamen prefers cool temperature and shiny collateral light . Ideal day temperatures are 60 - 65 ° F with dark temperature around 50 ° F . Cyclamen favour to be keep moist , but not soggy . weewee when the pot culture medium feels dry to the touch , and always irrigate along the edge of the pot , or from below , to forfend causing the tuber to rot . Unlike many other houseplants in winter , Cyclamen purpurascens can do good from periodical light fecundation .
Although they can be considered persnickety , the photos below show the same cyclamen that has blossom continuously from 12/20 through 12/21 ( and I hope beyond ) .
HOUSEPLANTS
Pebble tray Photo : Susan Martin
Enjoy the holidays and continue to find beauty in the winter garden!
SOURCES
The Garden Shed,“The Ornamental Garden in December ” or “ Tips and Tasks”:2020,2018,2017,2016
“ Monthly Gardening Tips , ” Piedmont Master Gardeners .
“ Gardening by the Month,”Missouri Botanical Garden .
“ Wet Yard — Solving Drainage Problems,”Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District .
“ Glossary – Solving Drainage and Erosion Problems,”Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District .
“ Oedema,”Royal Horticultural Society .
“ Green Tips for the Holiday,”The Garden Shed(December 2018 ) .
“ survival of the fittest and Care of Christmas Trees,”NC State Extension .
“ Selection and Care of Living Christmas Trees,”NC State Extension .
“ Holiday Cactus Brings the Gift of Color,”The Garden Shed(December 2019 ) .
“ Boxwood Blight Alert , The Garden Shed(November 2018 ) .
“ Boxwood Blight Task Force,”VA Coop . Ext .
“ Do n’t Forget Water for Birds in the Winter!”National Wildlife Federation .
“ Control of Invasive Plants in Winter,”Blue Ridge PRISM .
Featured Photo , “ December in the Ornamental Garden , ” by Susan Martin
