{"id":5033,"date":"2024-12-11T15:47:46","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T20:47:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/?page_id=5033"},"modified":"2024-12-11T15:48:13","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T20:48:13","slug":"the-neighborhood-gardener-december-2024","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/resources\/newsletters\/the-neighborhood-gardener-december-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"The Neighborhood Gardener December 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Neighborhood Gardener December 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The first day of winter, also known as the winter solstice, is Saturday, December 21.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Botanical Discoveries: What’s in a Name?<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Plant common names and cultivar names are chosen for a variety of reasons, including medicinal uses, identifying characteristics, or plant type. Some are even created in honor of someone and feature their name. You can see pale pink ‘George Taber’ azaleas all over North Florida, but who is George Taber? This new Gardening Solutions article takes a dive into the stories and people behind the plant names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Holiday Gifts for Bird Lovers<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Florida’s mild climate and diverse habitats attract a range of bird species, from year-round residents to those travelling here in spring and summer to raise their young. Many of these birds can be found in backyards and gardens across the state. If you know someone who loves birds, why not gift them something special this holiday season that helps them connect with nature and enhance their bird-viewing experience? We have gift ideas for the birder in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Delicately Garnished: Edible Flowers for the Home Garden<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Nasturtiums<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Edible flowers have traditionally been used around the world since ancient times. They have been used in rituals and festivals, prepared foods, and medicinal products for their nutritional qualities and cultural significance. Not only are edible flowers attractive on the plate, they also provide food and habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects. This updated article on Gardening Solutions has guidance on safely growing edible flowers as well as plant recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wendy’s Wanderings<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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The holidays are a season of surprises\u2014whether it\u2019s beautifully wrapped presents, unexpected packages on the porch, or cherished visits from friends, these delights are especially welcome this time of year. I also enjoy discovering surprises in my garden and landscape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the improbable return of a lost gift plant to a colorful delight, read on for a few of Wendy’s winter garden surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Plant of the Month: Pansies<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Pansies are charming cold-tolerant annuals that you can plant in winter and enjoy through spring. The modern-day pansy (Viola<\/i> x wittrockiana<\/i>) was cultivated in the early 1800s in England and continues to awe gardeners with showy colors and tolerance for cold. There are more than 300 varieties, offering an array of options for gardeners, including some hybrids with unusual flower colors or improved heat tolerance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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December in Your Garden<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Add some color to your winter landscape with annuals. Gardeners in North and Central Florida might try petunias, pansies, or snapdragons, while those further south can plant impatiens<\/a> or geraniums. Reliable cool-season vegetables to plant this month include cabbage, collards, and broccoli. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more month-by-month gardening tips, check out the Florida Gardening Calendar<\/a>. Three different editions of the calendar provide specific tips for each of Florida\u2019s gardening regions\u2014North,<\/a> Central,<\/a> and South.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What’s Going On?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If your Master Gardener Volunteer program or Extension office is having an event, be sure to share it with us.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n