Tony and I went to Winter Park to Christmas shop. It’s a lovely little downtown area all decorated with Christmas lights and seasonal decorations. I was expecting that. But the traditional complementary colors of red and green were not part of the container display. Instead there were planted pots of bright yellow and pale yellow poinsettias, bright yellow zinnia-like annuals, and white poinsettias. It was quite refreshing and unique take on holiday plants. I liked it but I noticed two individuals who weren’t quite sure of the new Christmas colors. It wasn’t what they were expecting.

This seems to be a year for thinking outside of our comfort zone. Doing something that maybe a few years (decades?) ago would never happen. The combinations of yellow and white still seemed like Christmas because they used holiday plants. It evoked a spirit of gold which is a traditional gift for a baby in a creche.

Winter came early this month. Hopefully, it’s still supposed to be a La Nina winter, wet and warm. I’ve outlined what to do in your landscape and it’s just enough to keep the garden neat and thriving. You’ll have plenty of time to visit with family and friends, or travel.

If you can’t decide what to get someone for Christmas, check out my Plant of the Month. It was an easy experience with Costa Farms and our family was thrilled with their gift.

Did you hear how Gerald the Turkey did over Thanksgiving? Lizzie shows off her vegetable garden and updates everyone on the #SaveGerald petition.

Thinking about wildlife… if you would like to select plants for your landscape that deer really don´t appreciate, check out my ¨Suggested Central Florida Plants Least Preferred by Deer.¨

My Landscape Malpractice Tip #32 happened a long time ago. It still makes an impression on me to warn against lazy contractors.

I love my design tip this month. You will see it next year in many different plants, clothing, furniture, and on walls. I’m interested in what you think of the choice.

Thank you for all the congratulations and warm wishes for continued success on our recent purchase of Art in Bloom Garden Tours. We will be registering for our newest trips to the Newport Flower Show in June in January. Tony and I are also scheduling trips in 2025 to the Garden Walk Buffalo, Scotland in August, Fall in Love with the Berkshires, Vermont Foliage Tour in October to be available soon. Let us know if you´re interested. Our trips fill up very quickly.

This month is going quickly and it will be a new year before we know it. It could be a year of trying new things in the garden. New techniques, new plants, new color combinations, and new learning. That’s what I am hoping for in 2025, a year of new experiences, new friendships, new optimism for the future. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

What a wonderful way to show your love at Christmas time with a holiday plant. Instead of the everyday-expensive. floral display that will fade and die when the New Year arrives, send a flowering plant that explodes with holiday spirit! We wanted to send flowers for Memere’s birthday but I didn’t want to spend money on flowers that would only live a week.

So, I checked out Costa Farms Shop Plants page. I am so glad I did. Costa Farms has a beautiful assortment of the traditional Christmas colors, red flowers and green leaves, but also a whole assortment of flowering and lush indoor plants that will warm anyone’s heart. I decided on the elegant Amaryllis waxed bulb and a Christmas cactus clad in tartan. So Christmasy! The flowers arrived promptly and in perfect condition. My Massachusetts in-laws were thrilled. “It brightens up the room”, Memere told us. They just had snow and the flowers were appreciated. She will enjoy them all winter long.

If you need to send flowers, bring a hostess gift, or don’t know what to give for Christmas, check out Costa Farms questionnaire that will help you select just the right plant.

This is my own review and recommendation. I received no compensation for this post. I’m just so thrilled with the beautiful plants. I’m at the top of “Best In-Law” list. Great way to end the year!