Down The Garden Path with Joanne Shaw

December 17, 2015

Vol 4, Issue 12

Down The Garden Path

with Joanne Shaw

Dear (Contact First Name),

Well the Christmas Season is upon us and I hope you are enjoying this busy time even more since the weather has been so unbelievable. I have really enjoyed being out and about with just a nice warm sweater!

I wanted to take this time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and all the best for 2016. I look forward to bringing you more down to earth tips and ideas for your garden next year.

I hope everyone has completed all their outdoor tasks and not procrastinated like I have. I finally completed my outdoor winter urn but I still have to wrap my Japanese Maple to protect it from the winter wind. Here's my instructions again if you need them.

With our outdoor gardening complete I wanted to remind everyone that I am sure there is someone on your list that would appreciate a holiday plant this year. I know everyone thinks about the common Poinsettia but there are a few other options as well. I hope you enjoy my article about some great gift ideas and may they make someone on your gift giving list smile!

All the best,

Joanne

Joanne Shaw
Landscape Designer
Down2Earth Garden Design
joanne@down2earth.ca

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3 Stunning Examples
Of Beautiful Holiday Plants

Amaryllis

Amaryllis Bulbs and kits can be found almost everywhere as soon as the pumpkins are out of the grocery stores and nurseries. They are one of the easiest bulbs to bring to bloom and the large showy flower is well worth it! They would make a great gift for beginning gardeners or for people with young children. Once the plants start to grow kids really love waking up each morning to see how tall they have gotten.

They come in a nice variety of vibrant colours and sold usually in convenient kits that include the pot, bulb and potting mix. Once planted, place the potted bulb in a warm place with direct light. Water sparingly until stem appears then increase as bud and leaves appear. The blooms will last for several weeks.

You can also find Amaryllis as cut flowers around Christmas time in your local florist.

Christmas Cactus

In my opinion this a great plant for a keen gardener or plant person as its needs change throughout the year in order to enjoy blooms throughout December and January. Despite its name, the Christmas Cactus is not as popular as the Poinsettia but it still puts on a nice show this time of year as well as makes a nice gift especially because it can last for years. It is not a true cactus but is a succulent that stores water in its leaves. The plant needs medium light and soil should not dry out. Its flowering during the season has to do with day length and night time temperatures.

Here's a handy little chart:

November to January	Flowering
February to March	Resting, infrequent watering, 55 degrees
April to May	Water well when plant dries out
June to August	Place outdoors in a shady spot
September to October	Plant prepares to flower, reduce daylight hours, keep drier and in a cool spot 55 degrees until buds form then you can gradually increase water and temperature

Norfolk Pine

While this evergreen is not really a pine, it is a nice Christmas tree shape plant that would make a great gift or accent in your home. Some things to keep in mind; these trees are NOT cold hardy and should be kept away from cold drafts. Also keep this in mind when shopping for one. Do not leave it in the car while you continue shopping. Since they are actually a tropical plant they also require humidity, especially in the winter months but this can be easily achieved by placing pot on a tray of pebbles or misting the plant with water. Norfolk Pines also require bright light and can even tolerate direct light. It grows slowly so buy the size accordingly. They would make a great gift for someone with a large sunny kitchen or even someone in a condo or apartment.

I know I have left off the ever popular Poinsettia from this list but I have written about it in the past. You can find the details here.

I hope this article helps with your gift giving this holiday season!

Photos courtesy of:

Big Blog Of Gardening

Black Rhino Property Services

Facilisimo Interactive S.L.

Flowersfloralflorist.com

Protect Japanese Maples With Burlap

Japanese Maple Acer Palmatum _Bloodgood_

The ornamental trees that should be protected with burlap in the winter are Japanese Maples, especially the ones planted this past season.

Click here to read the best way to protect this tender tree...

Joanne Shaw is the owner and operator of Down2Earth Garden Design. A graduate of Ryerson University in Landscape Design, Joanne has 15 years experience in designing gardens and a decade in landscape and related business, both for her own clientele and established local nurseries.

Joanne Shaw, Landscape Designer

Down2Earth Garden Design

joanne@down2earth.ca

www.down2earth.ca

905.839.1597 | 905.903.2597