With winter around the corner, it’s hard to picture getting outdoors to garden in December. But there are still plenty of things you can do now to get your garden ready for spring. 

Last Minute Planting and Maintenance

There is still time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and spring-flowering bulbs before the ground freezes. Continue to water newly established plants until a layer of snow is on the ground. 

Add a fresh layer of mulch to garden beds to finish them off for the year, and insulate the roots of the plants and bulbs. Mulch helps keep the soil temperature consistent all winter prevents a warm spell from triggering new growth before spring. 

Decorate for the Season

Celebrate the season with some evergreen decor. Use fresh garlands, swags, and wreaths to decorate your porch, eves, posts, or mailbox. Use mixed varieties to add some texture and color. Finish the look with a bright red bow. 

Create a welcoming entrance for the Season by creating a custom evergreen container. 

Follow the “Thriller, Spiller, Filler” concept and start by filling the container with a mixture of fresh evergreens. Add Spillers that flow over the sides, such as cedar or white pine, and finish with Thrillers such as a small evergreen tree in the center of tall colorful branches, such as red-twig dogwood, curly willow or gold, and silver sparkle sticks for a dash of holiday spirit.

Finish with ribbon, ornaments or a few battery-operated LED lighted branches for a festive holiday decoration.

Watch our video on Creating an Evergreen Container

Bring Nature Indoors

Add nature indoors by planting Amaryllis and Paperwhite Bulbs. Plant them in groups of three to seven bulbs every week for continuous blooms all winter long. By spacing them out, one batch will start blooming just as the previous batch is fading. Start with Amaryllis bulbs first to have blooms in time for Christmas and New Year’s. 

For more gardening and outdoor holiday decorating tips talk to an expert at any English Gardens location.