By: Mandy Hatman
​
The holiday season brings a burst of color indoors with festive plants that brighten our homes. With proper care, these seasonal favorites can thrive well beyond the holiday season. Let's explore how to keep your holiday plants healthy and happy.

Poinsettias: The Classic Christmas Plant
Poinsettias are synonymous with the holiday season, known for their vibrant red bracts (modified leaves).
Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day
• Water: When the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch
• Temperature: Prefer 65-70°F during the day, and no lower than 60°F at night
• After holidays they can be kept as a houseplant or planted outdoors in frost-free areas of Louisiana
• Common Issues: Leaf drop: Often due to drafts, temperature extremes, or dry soil; Yellow leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering

Christmas Cacti: The Long-Lived Holiday Favorite
These long-blooming succulents can live for decades with proper care.
Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist, not waterlogged
• Temperature: Prefer 70-80°F during the day and 60-65°F at night
• To encourage blooming: Provide 12-14 hours of complete darkness each night for 6-8 weeks before desired bloom time
  
• Common Issues:
  
  • Buds dropping: Often due to sudden temperature changes or overwatering
    
  • Lack of blooms: Usually due to incorrect light exposure

By: Mandy Hatman, MG

Louisiana gardens can continue to showcase vibrant colors throughout the winter months. With the right selection of plants, you can enjoy a colorful and lively garden even in the coolest part of the year.
Louisiana gardens can continue to showcase vibrant colors throughout the winter months. With the right selection of plants, you can enjoy a colorful and lively garden even in the coolest part of
the year.

Camellias: The Queens of Winter
Camellias are synonymous with Southern winter gardens, and for good reason. These evergreen shrubs produce stunning blooms from late fall through early spring.
o Plant in partial shade with well-draining, acidic soil
o Water deeply but infrequently
o Prune after flowering, Protect from harsh winds

Pansies and Violas: Colorful Groundcover
o Plant in full sun to partial shade, Keep soil consistently moist
o Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming
o Fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer

Cyclamen
o Prefer cooler temperatures and partial shade
o Great for containers or sheltered garden spots

Hellebores (Lenten Rose)
o Evergreen perennials with long-lasting blooms
o Plant in partial to full shade

Paperwhites
o Fragrant narcissus that are easy to force indoors
o Can also be planted outdoors in Louisiana, Plant bulbs in fall for winter blooms

By incorporating these winter-blooming plants into your landscape, you can ensure your Louisiana garden remains a colorful oasis even in the coolest months. With proper care, these hardy blooms will provide a cheerful display that brightens the short days of winter and hints at the spring to come.

Wildlife in the Winter Garden: Supporting Local Fauna
By: Mandy Hatman

While Louisiana's winters are milder than in many parts of the country, our local wildlife still faces challenges during the cooler months. As gardeners, we can play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and helping animals thrive year-round. Let's explore how to make our winter gardens wildlife-friendly.

Wildlife Active in Louisiana Winters

• Birds: Many species overwinter in Louisiana, including cardinals, chickadees, and woodpeckers
• Small mammals: Squirrels, rabbits, and opossums remain active
• Reptiles and amphibians: While less active, they still need protected areas for brumation
• Insects: Many beneficial insects overwinter in leaf litter or hollow stems

Creating Shelter

• Brush piles: Create a shelter by stacking branches and logs
• Roosting boxes: Provide warm spaces for birds on cold nights
• Dense evergreens: Offer protection from wind and predators
• Leave some areas "messy". Fallen leaves and standing dead plants provide crucial shelter for many species

Providing Food Sources

• Native plants with winter berries: American Beautyberry, Yaupon Holly, Wax Myrtle
• Bird feeders: Use a variety of feeders to attract different species, Offer a mix of seeds, suet, and fruit; make sure to clean feeders regularly to prevent disease spread

Water Sources

• Bird baths: Clean and refill daily
• Shallow dishes: Place at ground level for small mammals and insects
• Moving water: Consider a small pump to prevent freezing in colder areas
• Mist nozzles: Butterflies and other insects will appreciate the moisture

Balancing Wildlife Support with Pest Control

• Use integrated pest management: Focus on prevention and non-chemical controls
• Encourage beneficial predators: Provide habitat for birds, bats, and predatory insects
• Plant diverse native species: This supports a balanced ecosystem that can self-regulate pest populations
• Accept some level of plant damage: It's a sign of a healthy, biodiverse garden

By making our gardens wildlife-friendly, we not only support local ecosystems but also get to enjoy the beauty and fascination of wild creatures year-round.

​Remember, every small action in our gardens can have a big impact on the local wildlife. As you look out at your winter garden, take pride in knowing that you are providing a safe haven for countless creatures during the challenging winter months.