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he season of Winter nears and it seems we are either over saturated or praying for some saturation. The picture at the right is a stylized fountain made of succulents. It at least lets us have an idea of what it used to be like when water was a lot more available. But we are proverbial optimists and we do our rain dances and pray for the day when restrictions will ease and our beautiful state will once again put on a smile.

 

ur plants are beginning to slow down their growth patterns and relax for the season. The fabulous muted colors of the late Fall are in full swing; but the raucous, vibrant, full-blooded reds of the Winter season is just around the corner. The leaves are dropping to make way for dormancy and replenishment. How perfect Nature is. The animals are putting on their thick winter coats and we have begun pulling out our favorite sweaters and snuggly pajamas. A wonderful time of year; a time to reflect and say our thanks for our many blessings.

 

 

here is still garden work that can be done. It is ideal now to reassess our gardens and think about where you want it to be next year. Do you need to replace a rose bush or tired old tree? How can you fill up that empty space with an un-thirsty plant? What will that look like? This is a fun time to dream about tomorrow and the joy of planning it out.

 

 

here is still time to put in some more bulbs: anemones, daffodils, Dutch iris, freesia, Kaffir lily and ranunculus and to plant colorful seasonal annuals. Iceland poppies are a favorite of mine with their gorgeous hues and long life. They can be planted in many sunny spots to brighten up the yard. Pansies and Sweet peas offer the same effect. Callendulas, columbine, coral bells, English daisy, English primroses, foxglove, snapdragon and violas are some other bedding plants that you might want to choose. Clivias will bring spectacular golden/orange color to your December gardens and are easy to care for once established. Their strappy leaves add background foliage year round as well.

 

 

f course the colors of the Holiday Season abound with brilliant Amaryllis, Christmas cactus, poinsettias, cyclamen and narcissus are entrenched in our happy, nostalgic minds. But, cineraria, delphinium, penstemon and Shasta daisies are participants to our wintry garden palettes. Flowering Kales also lends a hand.

 

 

inter also brings the seed and bare root catalogs into our homes. That is what I call, good dreamin’. There is such contentment looking at the new rose selections for the year and trying to envision how they would look in my yard. This year I am planning on adding several more to my evolving yard. For sure I will be adding some David Austin roses. I have two climbers that have not proved to be winners and they will be replaced with Gertrude Jekyll, and possibly a Graham Thomas too. I also have a cutting of Sombreuil that I have nurtured and will plant. Put in three of the new Bubblicious shrub rose and they are sweet. So, dreaming pays off eventually and it is nice to know that eventually my yard will finally achieve that place I have wished for, my Eden.

 

 

ast year the handle on my shovel fell apart --- actually it was eaten up. Termites got into the old wood and I had to put a new shovel on my Christmas wish list. Not everyone gets a new shovel complete with a bow as a present, but I lucked out and have enjoyed its use! Our tools are there for very good purposes and care (even a modicum of it) will increase its lifespan. Do Not Leave Shovels outdoors --- or risk a munching termite invasion. True story.

 

 

y great joy was the acquisition of a small Honda Roto-tiller. It has made my life in the veggie patch so much easier and have reaped the rewards; there is a better mix of soil, compost and amendments. Next year all over-wintering grubs in the dirt take note --- I AM Armed at last! The deep mixing of the soil with the tines really does a good job. If you do not wish to own a tiller, many hardware stores and some garden stores will rent them out.

 

 

oday is the Winter Solstice, a benchmark for gardeners everywhere. Today beings the slow march of our earth orbit back closer to our sun on its annual progression back to summer. Our days will minutely become longer and warmer; bearing good tidings of things to come. This editor sends her best to all gardeners for a bountiful New Year.

 

 

lease enjoy this recipe for a

 

Winter Gratin. It will be served on our holiday family table.

 

Butternut squash

Yams (to extend you can add some spuds too).

            Peel and cube.

Toss them with Olive oil lightly and bake at 350 degrees until soft. Remove; put into a casserole. Sprinkle with some Cayenne and drizzle with honey. Bake a few minutes longer.

This is a simple, adaptive and really yummy winter recipe. Go easy on the cayenne and honey and let the sweetness of the butternut and yams shine. jbb