Back to the Garden - Amaryllis: Not Just for Christmas!

By James Daw

As winter settles in, it’s time to admit that there isn’t much left to do in the garden—except plan for next year. With our outdoor beds filled to capacity, it’s the perfect opportunity to focus on houseplants and forcing bulbs indoors to brighten the grey days of winter. Daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses are all great options for indoor gardening. If you choose healthy-sized bulbs, you can plant them outdoors in spring and enjoy them for years to come.

Among winter bulbs, amaryllis is my absolute favorite. These grapefruit-sized bulbs produce tall flower stalks, often in vibrant reds or striking red-and-white combinations, approximately six weeks after planting. Sold with pots and soil, they’re incredibly easy to grow and make a stunning addition to any holiday table.

However, if you plant amaryllis in time for Christmas, the blooms will fade by mid-January—just when you need a pop of color the most. My solution? Plant them a week before Christmas. This way, as January ends, your windowsill will burst with vibrant blooms, helping you beat the winter blues. Once the flowers and foliage die back, you can store the bulbs in a cool, dry place or simply leave them on a shelf. With a little water, they’ll likely produce foliage and may even bloom again the following winter.

Christmas Trees Can Be Recycled

If you’ve opted for a natural Christmas tree this year, don’t just toss it to the curb when the holidays are over—your tree can serve a second purpose in the garden.

Cut the larger branches off and use them to protect new plantings like daylilies, irises, or bulbs. These branches help keep the ground from thawing too quickly, preventing plants from being pushed out of the soil. The trunk can also be repurposed as firewood for your fireplace.

If you don’t have new plantings to protect, consider placing the entire tree in a vegetable bed or behind your garage. It provides excellent shelter for birds during the cold months. While you’ll need to dispose of the tree in the spring, it will have served as valuable protection for plants and wildlife throughout the winter.

With a little creativity and care, your garden and home can remain a haven for beauty and life, even during the coldest months of the year. 🌱🎄