December 2024
Your newsletter this month features what to do in the landscape, what's blooming now, upcoming workshops, and more!
Welcome to December in Your Central Florida Yard!
Make sure to check our event page for any updates and new workshops added.
Have you been staying up-to-date with our monthly podcast, Your Central Florida Yard? We are excited to share information to help you garden successfully, and if you are listener, we would love your feedback and ideas for episodes. Our latest episode is linked at the end of the newsletter.
Let us know how we can help by contacting our Plant Clinic with your questions!
Happy Holidays, Central Florida!
Finding Solace in Nature: Gardening as Therapy During Life's Busy Seasons
December can be a time of hurrying and stress. How easy it is to get totally “wrapped up” (so to speak) in holiday projects and plans! One of the best antidotes to pre-holiday stress is to spend a bit of time outdoors in a natural setting.
Scientific studies continue to confirm that our bodies experience measurable physiologic benefits from being in a garden or natural setting. These benefits include lowered blood pressure, decreased heart rate and decreased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). The results of these changes lead to feelings of decreased stress and a sense of well-being.
The thought of carving out yet one more activity in an already-booked schedule can be daunting, yet very possible. Do you have a yard or green space near your home? Do you live near a park or other public green space? Even small amounts of time in the presence of plants and nature can create just enough of a break to relieve stress. Better yet, our area is surrounded by state and local parks and gardens. Strolling through these natural areas can lead to a much-needed boost of happiness.
This holiday season, won’t you consider taking time to find a garden or park to visit? It’s peaceful out there and quiet too. Spending time in nature with family, friends or even quiet time for yourself is a great way to bring holiday joy!
Reference: “Horticultural Therapy”, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep145
This was written by Master Gardener Volunteer Molly Griner.
Need a gift for a gardener?
Gardeners can be the easiest folks to please when it comes to choosing holiday gifts. If you have gardeners on your Christmas list, here are some gift ideas that will be sure winners. Here are some great ideas!
*Fun tip—if you give a poinsettia, include this fact sheet on Poinsettia care!
Your Central Florida Yard Monthly Checklist:
Your Lawn in December
Reduce irrigation during the winter months. Your lawn is semi-dormant at this time.
Reduce mowing frequency.
You may see winter weeds pop up during the colder months, but don't worry, many will die off when the weather warms up.
Your Landscape in December
Use fallen leaves for mulch.
Cut back spent blooms to encourage flowering.
Plant cool season annuals such as pansy, petunia, and snapdragon.
Take advantage of cool mornings--plan for your spring garden, sit outdoors and enjoy nature, and tackle chores that you put off during the summer.
What’s blooming now?
Check out the December blooms in the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Demonstration Garden in Bartow.
Clockwise from top left: tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis), tea bush (Melochia tomentosa), and goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens).
Gardening Workshops & Webinars
Join UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Gardening and Landscaping experts at our monthly workshops! For full workshop descriptions and to register, go to: http://polk countyextension.eventbrite.com
Gardening in Florida for New and Part-Time Residents
Friday, December 6, 10:00 am
Peggy Brown Building (upstairs), Lakeland
Register here
Orchids: Growing and Nurturing Your Blooms with Expert Care
Thursday, December 12, 2:00 pm
Studio 37, Mulberry
Register here
Podcast
The new podcast from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County is here! Find Your Central Florida Yard where you listen to podcasts. New episodes are out the first week of every month. For more information about the podcast, check out our blog post.
Listen to the latest episode here.
Find us here:
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County website
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County blog
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Instagram
YouTube
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
1702 US Highway 17 South
Bartow, FL 33831
863-519-1041
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk
Gardening Questions?
Email the Plant Clinic: polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu
Anne Yasalonis
Residential Horticulture
Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Julie Schelb
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Coordinator