December feels like the slowest month for gardening.

Little is growing above the surface, save for the steadfast evergreens. Hopefully, you’ve finished readying the garden for winter. And further preparations for next year’s garden won’t begin until the new year.

The days are short. The garden is quiet.

What’s thriving

The new (30+!) arborvitaes are holding strong as the freezing temperatures creep in. This will be their first winter, and I’m hopeful they will persist unscathed. So far, so good.

The rhododendrons we planted this spring continue to hold their leaves while the rest of the garden remains stark. Rhododendrons are evergreens, and a welcome one at that—their broad, smooth leaves have the look of deciduous foliage, a nice contrast to the more common needle-like evergreens.

Last month, I moved my more vulnerable plants inside. The ‘Arbequina’ olive tree has taken the move beautifully, showing little stress in its shifting light conditions.

It’s also my first time growing a gardenia indoors. I planted it in a pot this spring for the option of mobility. They can’t survive our cold Pennsylvania winters, but are an evergreen plant in warm conditions—I’m hopeful it will live happily in the study through the winter.

What’s struggling

While the olive tree quickly adapted to life indoors, the lemons—a small ‘Meyer’ lemon tree and a young pink lemon tree—are slower to adjust, losing several leaves in the process. I’m keeping a close eye on them, and trying different spots in the house to optimize their sunlight.

Our kitchen fig seemed to struggle this summer. I repotted it in the middle of the season, and I’m wondering if the new pot created different moisture conditions than its last one. Now inside, it’s leafless—to be expected, as figs go dormant in the winter—but I’m nurturing it extra in hopes of a proper return come spring.

Outdoors, it can be difficult to tell what is thriving and what is struggling, when the branches are bare regardless. I suppose we’ll find out in a few months!

What’s next

I have a few rogue tulip bulbs that are patiently waiting to be planted. And indeed, it’s not too late!

This weekend marks a warm spell in the weather forecast—a perfect time to pop the bulbs into the ground. They’ll still bloom normally come spring, so no harm done.

As my sights and days, turn indoors for the season, houseplants are on my mind once again. 

Though I’ve acquired quite a few since moving plants indoors (lisianthus and eucalyptus, in addition to the olive and lemons), I’m considering adding another kitchen fig in case our current one doesn’t make it. 

I’m also eying the moody, beautiful Alocasia Black Velvet, a houseplant that is sure to add a bit of drama to any room.

December jobs

• On a warm day, plant any remaining tulip bulbs.

• Clean and store pots used in the previous season.

• Feed the birds. Their food sources decrease significantly this month, and feeding them not only helps the wildlife, but gives you a wonderful show. Just make sure not to put bird feeders right next to your house, as doing so invites critters like chipmunks right into your home.

• Dream up your plans for next year’s garden!

📚 Book I’m reading

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid.

It was November’s Cherry’s Literary Society book pick, but I started a bit late. There’s something so cozy about a dark academia story with a swirl of magic for good measure.

🌸 Plant I’m admiring

Winterberry!

I love Winterberry, and though I have none in my garden currently (must remedy that), many of my neighbors do. The bright red berries bring such cheer to the stark landscape. 

I think I’ll plant a ‘Berry Poppins’ winterberry from Proven Winners in the garden next spring, partly based on the name alone.

Is anything happening in your garden, or is it already asleep for its long winter nap? Reply and let me know!

Xx,

Courtney