by Laurie Keit

December gardeners face special challenges; the days are shorter, the demands on our time greater and our bodies want to slow down and hibernate. Take my  Holiday Curb Appeal quiz and see if you’re keeping up with the Joneses or even the Rubbles! 

1. The day after Thanksgiving finds you:

a. Reaching for your antacids and the remote.

b. Putting up your front yard holiday decorations.

c. Looking at a pile of dirty dishes and wondering where the maid went.

2. You pull up in front of your home on a dark and stormy night, and:

a. Are glad it gets dark early and you have no lighting to call attention to  your place.

b. Feel a thrill of pride at living in a warm and welcoming home, graciously lit and beautifully decorated.

c. Feel slightly uncomfortable that you’re not armed since you can’t tell if anyone is lurking in your bushes.

3. Driving home at night, you see a wide variety of outdoor decorations and lit decorations. You find yourself:

a. Wondering how some people can afford to pay their electric bills!

b. Wishing your home looked that good.

c. Enjoying the show and feeling connected to the community.

The following tips are especially for those of you who enjoy your holiday decorations — those who answered “b” — to help make your homes a joy to come home to!

• Make sure your outdoor lighting is on after dark. A timer or photocell will ensure this.

• A wreath on the door made of fresh winter berries and foliage is a beautiful addition to any home. A garland of green over the doorway creates an added sense of welcome.

• Light strands with battery packs make it possible to light potted porch plants with ease.

• Use battery-operated candles to create fire-safe luminaries to light your paths and driveway.

• A welcome mat will help keep your home’s interior cleaner.

The well-tended garden improves your home’s curb appeal year-round. Here are things to focus on in December.

• Begin by adjusting your irrigation system now that the rainy season has started; avoid stepping on wet soil to prevent long-term damage to soil structure.

• Keep the base of plants free from mulch, fallen blossoms, fruit and leaf litter; these can house pests.

• Clean out gutters, downspouts, well lights, fountains and birdbaths.

• Control slugs, snails and weeds.

• Plant spring blooming bulbs.

• Protect tender plants from frost damage.

• Prune camellias after they have finished blooming.

• Water plants that live in dry shade, under eaves or overhangs.

Happy Holidays!

Laurie Keit has been designing residential gardens since 2001 through her company, Seasonal Celebrations. An 18-year Pacifica resident, Keit may be contacted at 650-722-0091 or by e-mail at keit@sbcglobal.net.