Preserve Moisture with Mulching

Mulching is an excellent practice to conserve soil moisture and keep your plants healthy. A good mulch, rich in organic matter, prevents surface evaporation, saving water. Mulching also discourages weeds, especially when used with landscape fabric, further retaining water and nutrients for your garden.

Tree Bags

Tree bags are a fantastic solution for providing deep, slow watering to tree roots. These bags prevent runoff and water waste, ensuring that the water reaches deep into the soil where it is most needed. Tree bags are especially useful for newly planted trees that require consistent moisture to establish strong root systems.

Watering Cans

Watering cans are a classic and versatile tool for gardeners. When choosing a watering can, make sure it is leak-free to avoid wasting water. Opt for a larger capacity watering can to minimize the number of refill trips, making your watering routine more efficient.

Pruning Wisdom

Post-blooming, typically in late Winter or early Spring, consider pruning your poinsettia to encourage bushier growth. Trim back the stems to around 6-8 inches from the soil level.

Lighting Matters

Place your Poinsettia in a well-lit spot, preferably one with bright, indirect light. While they love brightness, direct sunlight can be harsh. Strike a balance to keep their color vibrant and their leaves healthy.

Beautiful Botanicals

Infuse natural elegance into your holiday decor with our handcrafted Botanical Designs. Whether you seek a stunning centerpiece or a subtle accent, GARDENWORKS presents breathtaking creations to immerse you in the beauty of the season. Living works-of-art that are ready to be gifted or brought home.

Amaryllis Bulbs

Characteristics
Amaryllis bulbs are renowned for producing large, dramatic blooms in a variety of colours,  including red, white, and pink.
The tall, sturdy stems bear multiple trumpet-shaped flowers, creating a captivating display. These bulbs, when properly cared for, can bloom indoors during the Winter months, adding a touch of grandeur to your festive decor.
Care Tips

Planting Depth: Plant the bulb with its upper third above the soil for optimal growth.
Staking: Consider staking or supporting the stems as the flowers may become heavy.
Watering: Water sparingly initially, increasing as the buds develop, but always maintain well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged conditions.

Paperwhites: Fragrant Winter Blooms

Characteristics
Paperwhites, a type of Narcissus, bring a delightful fragrance to the Winter season.
These dainty, white flowers with golden-yellow centers emerge in clusters atop slender green stems.
Paperwhites are cherished for their sweet and intoxicating scent, making them a favourite for indoor forcing during the Winter.
Care Tips

Planting: Plant bulbs in well-draining soil, leaving the tips exposed.
Sunlight: Provide ample sunlight for robust growth, placing them near a sunny window.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent bulb rot.

Poinsettias: A Splash of Red Radiance

Characteristics
Poinsettias, with their vibrant red bracts, have become synonymous with the holiday season.
These plants, native to Central America, offer a burst of colour and warmth during the Winter months.
The bracts, often mistaken for flowers, surround the inconspicuous yellow flowers at the center, creating a visually stunning display.
Beyond red, Poinsettias now come in various shades, including creamy whites and soft pinks, adding versatility to their festive appeal.
Care Tips

Sunlight: Place your Poinsettia in bright, indirect light for at least six hours a day.
Temperature: Keep the plant in a warm environment, avoiding drafts and sudden temperature drops.
Watering: Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Barbara Gillette, Master Gardener

Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, Herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist with three decades of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. From sowing seed to harvest, from heirloom tomatoes to wild orchids, her gardening experience encompasses first hand knowledge of best practices for success. 

She has worked with the University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Communications and with several commercial greenhouse operations and was past president of the Anderson County Farmer's Market Cooperative. She has cultivated and planted more than 150 shrubs and trees on her eight acre property over the past 23 years.