“December” by David Tarrant
December brings us the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. Its passing kindles excitement of looking forward to longer days and a new gardening season ahead. In ancient times, plants with winter interest were always used as decorations in celebrations marking passing from darkness into light.
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At the UBC Botanical Garden a plant which always shows its first blooms by late December is Helleborus foetidus (photo left), with fresh-looking, apple-gren flowers. A great plant for growing in dry dappled shade, a true harbinger of the bountiful growing season ahead. |
The University of British Columbia Botanical Garden will once again be selling handmade wreaths and arrangements to grace your home this holiday season. This is a traditional fundraising activity for many gardens, schools, hospitals, and other organisations around the world, where hard-working volunteers create beautiful items from locally grown produce. Please support their efforts by purchasing these items as gifts for your friends, everyone benefits!
For several years, David has spent his holidays resting and relaxing in the tropical paradise of Hawaii. This year we are lucky enough to join David and the Canadian Gardener crew on location in Hawaii for two glorious shows of tropical flowers and sunshine to air on December 24/26 and December 31/Jan 02. Check your local CBC listings or visit the Canadian Gardener webpage for details later this month.