In the Garden

Four Easy Holiday Season Gardening Trends

Whether you want to stand out at holiday gift exchanges or give beautiful gifts throughout the year, these low-maintenance gardening trends offer fun and classic ways to keep gift-giving fresh.

Terrariums

These mini greenhouses continue to grow in popularity and are perfect for new or timid gardeners. Just plant a few small tropical plants, moisten the soil, and close the lid. You’ve a created a self-contained growing chamber! Showcase your green thumb in a modern, classic, or vintage style vessel.

The gazebo tabletop terrarium or classic bell jar models make lovely centerpieces for dining tables or buffets. They also make memorable hostess gifts.

Succulents

Succulents in stacked troughs
Photo by Melinda Myers

Growing succulents is another low-maintenance garden trend perfect for busy gardeners during the hectic holiday season. Succulents enjoy sunny windows and require water only when their soil is dry.

Small-scale cacti provide excellent décor for holiday celebrations, and you don’t need much space to enjoy the subtle colors of these drought-tolerant plants.

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Be sure to select containers that compliment their charm, and consider buying a few extras for family or close friends to take home.

Add guests’ names to the decorative pots to create unique placards for the table, or display together in a copper plant tray terra cotta saucer or other shallow container.

When the party is over, each guest can take their own plant home.

Air Plants

Unique air plants are all the rage and very easily cared for. Many are native to rain forests where they grow in the canopies of trees, absorbing nearby water and nutrients. No soil is required for these versatile plants. Just hang them in a bright location and soak in tepid non-softened water once every week or two. Display in an open terrarium, shell, or other decorative container. They make great centerpieces and stunning displays!

Pothos, Philodendron and Ivy

Pothos
Photo by Melinda Myers

These plants are longtime favorites for indoor gardens. Consider dressing them up for the holidays with sparkling garlands, artificial flowers, berries, and greens. Place the potted plants in earthy woven baskets, sleek plastic pots, or classic hanging baskets. Add fairy lights for more sparkle on long wintery nights, or go retro and macramé a colorful hanger for your favorite hanging basket.

Make this holiday season warm and memorable with these low-maintenance garden trends and plants. Everyone will enjoy their beauty, charm, and easy nature throughout the new year.

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Melinda Myers

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Wild Valley Farms for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

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