These recent fair weather days of December warrant a trip to the nursery to see what’s up. While the yard seems sleepy and quiet, poke around and you will discover some wonderful garden finds. Consider the following:
BERRIES: The bare-root season is beginning, so now is the time to buy berry plants while selection is at its best. Right now, you will find a wide variety of raspberry, blackberry, blueberry and strawberry plants. Take advantage of our pleasant weather and start planting before winter really sets in.
GREENS and MORE: Nurseries offer a few locally grown greens, such as lettuce, bok choy, spinach, kale and chard. This is the best time to grow arugula. It is not too late to plant garlic if you can do so by the end of the month.
THE PRETTY THINGS: Winter days of dwindling light can get one down, especially if it is cold and foggy. But, at the nursery there are the pretty things waiting for a home. A colorful ceramic pot, a bubbling water fountain, a sprightly piece of Mexican pottery art. Cyclamen, primroses and cineraria are just a few of the colorful plants that will brighten a dark day. Treat yourself to some sparkle.
CHECK OUT BULB SALES: It’s not too late to plant bulbs, and these days you will find them on sale. There are deep discounts on daffodil, tulip and hyacinth bulbs and more.
Terry Kramer is the retired site manager for the Humboldt Botanical Garden and a trained horticulturist and journalist. She has been writing a garden column for the Times-Standard since 1982. She currently runs a gardening consulting business. Contact her at 707-834-2661 or terrykramer90@gmail.com.
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