Yes, You Can Enjoy Your Yard in December! Here's How

In mild climates, there's still time to plant a festive camellia in a pot near the front door and put in bulbs for a big spring show. In colder areas, it's time to gather boughs from the yard for fresh arrangements inside and out. In the Southwest, luminarias make outdoor rooms glow, and in the Northeast, feeders bring out the birds, the best features a winter garden could hope for. Here's what to do in December in your region of the U.S.

Northwest | California | Southwest | Texas | Rocky Mountains
Central Plains | Great Lakes | Northeast | Mid-Atlantic | Southeast

California. "'Yuletide' Sasanqua camellia (USDA zones 7–10) has the right color and timetable for holiday display," says California garden editor Bill Marken. "It blooms in late fall and early winter, bright red with a yellow center. The evergreen shrub is tall and slender for a Sasanqua, perfect for a narrow slot. Look for a blooming plant now, and put it in a pot near the front door."

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Southwest. "While the holidays often bring on busy activities, there's no reason these times cannot include downtime to enjoy your own surroundings," writes New Mexico landscape designer David Cristiani. "Any size garden can create a hospitable welcome and be a memorable entertainment space for guests and homeowners alike. Luminarias add a touch of regional ambience to the holiday scene."

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Northwest. "In just a few minutes, you can spruce up your container gardens to be ready for the holidays," writes Washington container garden designer Karen Chapman. "Simply tuck in a few decorations, cones and cut evergreen boughs."

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Northeast. "Feeders hung from branches or wrought iron poles set in strategic locations can provide many hours of viewing pleasure," writes Vermont landscape designer Charlotte Albers. "Be sure to install your feeder poles before the ground freezes solid. It's true that birds are the flowers of the winter garden, bringing color and joy!"

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Southeast. "Whip out your clippers and look around your garden," writes North Carolina gardener Helen Yoest. "December is a prime time to prune evergreens anyway. Burford, Foster and Nelly Stevens hollies usually have good color on their berries now. Recut the stems at an angle and insert them in a bucket of warm water for several hours to condition before using."

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Great Lakes. "Instead of buying a front-door wreath, fill a vintage ice skate with greenery from the garden," suggests garden coach Barbara Pintozzi. "A small round of floral foam stuck in the neck of the boot supports the trimmings. Spray conifer greenery with an antidessicant to keep it fresh, and add small ornaments or candy canes to complete the look."

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Texas. "This is your last chance, in most cases, to plant bulbs — and the first part of the month is the best time," says garden designer Jenny Peterson. "Plant daffodils, hyacinths, Louisiana irises, jonquils, cannas, gladiolus and dahlias."

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Rocky Mountains. Mix evergreen boughs, brightly colored branches, berries, pinecones and seed heads for potted arrangements, wreaths and swags for outdoor decor that will last through the holidays, suggests Colorado landscape designer Jocelyn H. Chilvers. "Not enough variety of materials to choose from in your own garden? Plan a cuttings exchange party with a friend or two."

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Central Plains. "A simple rain chain is something neat to have outside in winter, and it catches the crisp sunlight like an engagement ring’s diamond," writes Benjamin Vogt, a Nebraska native prairie garden consultant. "You know, it is that time of year. Maybe a rain chain would be a better option for your sweetheart?"

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More regional garden guides

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