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December is the month that I receive wonderful gifts. My human
brofurs and sisfurs always remember to buy me catnip toys and
treats. They usually give Meowmie gifts too. Sometimes she
receives a Christmas Cactus or a Poinsettia. I stay away from
the cactus because it likes to bite. I do not eat the leaves
of the poinsettia. Believe it or not, they are not poisonous
for humans or cats.
Much of our gardening activity in December is centered around
the holiday season. Christmas trees and poinsettias are at the
top of most gardening lists. If you have not already done so,
December is an ideal time to plant trees and shrubs and to
prepare the beds for spring planting. December will probably
have some freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is time to
complete winterizing our gardens.
Ornamentals
The poinsettia, Christmas trees and evergreen garlands are the
most common plants for holiday decoration. Many other common
plants are also used. Dried Okra pods, magnolia pods and branches,
tallow, pine cones, Christmas cactus, Christmas pepper, Christmas
begonia, narcissus and other bulbs make attractive decorations.
Poinsettias
Select poinsettias with green leaves throughout the plant.
The leaves should hide the pot. The colored leaves should
be solid in color and show no green. The yellow flowers
in the center should be unopened or have no more than one
to three open flowers. Most purchased potted plants have
been raised in a green house and are accustomed to a lot
of light, so place plants, especially poinsettias, where
they will get the morning sun. Don't let the leaves touch
the window. Maintain a uniform temperature, preferably 65 to
75 degrees. Place in a location away from drafts created by
exterior doors and heater vents. Water every one to two days,
making sure that the excess water is drained from the pot and
removed. Excess water will cause root rot. Plants do best
with maximum humidity in the house. The kitchen area usually
has the highest humidity in the house.
Christmas Trees
Place your Christmas tree away from fireplaces, radiators,
heat vents and anywhere else that would dry their needles.
Keep it well-watered from the time it is brought home and
discarded. After Christmas, your tree can be moved outside
and redecorated for the birds. Anchor the tree in a bucket
of damp sand. Put on strings of popcorn and cranberries.
Apples, oranges, leftover breads and pinecones covered
with peanut butter and dipped in birdseed can also be added
to the tree. For best results, push the edible ornaments
well into the tree.
Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are a time of giving.
Your activity for December is to send in your holiday
gifts to spread joy amongst us. We can find several
seasonal graphics and gardening ideas to share with our
Flower Society friends. Purr to me, Lloyd by clicking
on the mail button below. Remember to have fun.
There are still many former gardens to plant in.
The midi is playing "Xmas Mice" and is used by permission
of Geoff. Visit his wonderful site.
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