Thrifty and Festive December arrives with its chill and promises of sleet, yet it’s a month filled with warmth, blazing fires, and Christmas delights. Embrace the beauty of this quiet time in the garden, where even in the midst of winter, you can find pockets of life.
🌼 Garden Moments: While the shortest day approaches, keep an eye out for the few brave flowers on winter-flowering shrubs, gracing you with their presence on sunny days. Take this opportunity to step outside, breathe in the crisp air, and enjoy some simple garden tasks.
🌿 Prepping for the Future: On dry days, turn your attention to next year’s garden. Bare plots in the vegetable garden can benefit from a dose of organic matter, whether it’s garden compost, soil improver, or well-rotted farmyard manure. Spread this nourishment across the soil’s surface or work it in for healthier, more abundant crops.
🥕 Harvest Time: Don’t forget about those root vegetables still snug in the ground. Dig them up and savor their earthy flavors in your winter meals.
🌳 Pruning Wisdom: Apple and pear trees appreciate some attention in December. Prune them back, and remember to dispose of any pruned material showing signs of disease through shredding or burning.
🏡 Greenhouse TLC: Keep your greenhouse well-ventilated on mild days by opening doors and vents. And when the weather is dry, seize the opportunity to give it a thorough cleaning and tidying.
🔧 Shed Organisation: A well-organized shed is a gardener’s sanctuary. Dedicate some time to clean, sort out your tools, and put everything in order. A tidy shed makes for a happier gardener.
🎄 Eco-Friendly Decorations: This festive season, have a thrifty Christmas by creating decorations and gifts that won’t break the bank. Invite family and friends to join in the fun. Head outdoors to your garden, local park, or countryside to discover nature’s bounty. Unleash your creativity by gathering fresh foliage for wreaths, gifts, and decorations. It’s eco-friendly, budget-conscious, and, most importantly, loads of FUN.
🌿 Nature’s Treasures: Seek out ivy, cedar, skimmia, and any evergreens you can find. Don’t forget to look for decorative flourishes like pinecones, berries, and dried seedheads to add that extra touch of magic.
🌿 Crafting a Wreath: To craft a beautiful wreath, start with a round wire frame. Fluff up some moss and cover the base. Wrap string around it to secure. Layer on various foliage, interspersed with dried flowers, berries, hips, and pinecones until the wreath is full. Secure everything with string or wire. Get creative with seedheads of teasels, poppies, and pampas grasses. Explore interesting colors, textures, and leaf shapes.
🌟 Rustic Elegance: Create a rustic branch frame using twigs from trees like hazel and birch, which you can spray with silver or gold paint.
🎄 Unique Tree Alternative: Consider a bare branch from a silver birch tree, artfully arranged in a vase and sprayed with artificial snow. Hang artificial baubles, icicles, and white fairy lights for a unique and enchanting holiday display. Deck the halls with creativity and nature’s wonders this December.
Make lasting memories by crafting your own festive decor. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, have a look through our other blog articles for delightful ideas and gardening tips. Happy December! 🌿🎁✨
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