A Digger's Guide to Decking Halls
With Craig Mayo of Lakeland Yard & Garden in Flowood, Mississippi
Ever wonder how the pros garden? Follow our blog series,, DIGGER DIARIES, for advice from some of the most active gardeners, nursery managers and professional landscapers in the deep-South region. Dig it?
A bright day in December may beckon us to catch up on weeding and seasonal chores, but there's no denying winter brings a slower rhythm to the garden. It's often wet and cold--the perfect recipe for cozying up inside, and bringing the outdoors with us! That's exactly what nursery managers like Craig Mayo help plant-lovers do all season long.
In this Digger Diaries story, we visit Craig at Lakeland Yard & Garden in Flowood, Mississippi, where he shares his professional tips for creating the winter wonderland of our dreams, complete with living Christmas trees, thoughtful gifts for fellow gardeners, and other seasonal delights to keep us enchanted with nature, even as the outdoor garden rests.
But First, Mulch: Preparing Your Garden for a Long Winter's Nap
Winter is make-or-break season for healthy soil. Before getting "wrapped up" in holiday mode, be sure to cover your beds! Otherwise, vital organic nutrients can be washed away by heavy winds and rains, and their bouncy texture can get compacted.
Some gardeners plant nitrogen-fixing cover crops, like clover or fava beans. Others simply opt for a generous layer of mulch. (Note that most mulches will need to be raked back in the spring, but Penick Organics Flower & Garden Mulch, can be tilled right into the soil! Its unique make-up will feed the soil as it breaks down, rather than deplete it.)
Now that our gardens are resting, we can start festing (we just need to remember to rest a bit, ourselves!)
Oh, Tannenbaum: Living Christmas Trees of the Deep South
This time of year, families across the nation are shopping for live tees, and each region can grow its own special varieties.
At Lakeland Yard & Garden in central Mississippi, "we bring in the best trees and garland that'll make it here in the South," explains Craig. That means primarily Fraser firs. Fraser firs, known for their short, dark-green needles that naturally look dusted with silver, are also among the most fragrant of all Christmas trees.
Trees, of course, are just the beginning. Like the nursery Craig manages in Flowood, Mississippi, garden centers everywhere are dripping with fragrant, natural garlands. Months ago, Craig ordered wreaths and garlands to deck his shoppers' halls in Douglas fir (for a full, fluffy look) and western cedar (for a sleeker, draped trimming).
Ever Green: How to Keep a Living Christmas Tree Alive
Craig says this is the number-one question people ask him in December. A crisp, brittle tree surrounded by needles does not make the season bright.
Fortunately, the answer is simple: "Keep it watered," says Craig. To keep a tree fresh through the first of the year, he also recommends adding a preservative to the water, which most garden centers can provide.
One more tip? Before taking your tree home, Craig advises asking for a fresh cut on the lower tree trunk. As with fresh-cut flowers, this helps the tree take in more water. "We always put a fresh cut on the tree, and put it on the stand for our shoppers," says Craig.
Spreading Cheer: Fresh Gift Ideas for Gardeners
Besides answering questions about living trees, wreaths, and garland, Craig's team also helps their shoppers find thoughtful gifts for fellow plant and nature lovers. Below, Craig shares some of his customers' favorite picks. If you're looking for holiday gift inspiration, take note!
Homegrown Stocking Stuffers: Preserved local jams and jellies from the past year's produce--especially regional hallmarks like muscadine, blackberry, blueberry, and fig--are an affordable option for bulk gifts with a personal touch. Similarly, honey and beeswax candles from area beekeepers make for a long-lasting gift with a local flair.
Outdoor Decor: Plants may come and go, but some garden elements withstand unpredictable weather, perturbing pests, and the test of time. In particular, wind chimes are a perennial favorite of Craig's customers--he carries Corinthian Bells, a higher-end chime that's made in the U.S.A. Patio furniture, sundials, plant stands, pots, and saucers also make for long-weathering choices.
Backyard Birds: Bird feeders, bird baths, and bubblers attract colorful, musical songbirds for up-close enjoyment, and provide potentially lifesaving access to nutrients and water during the season of greatest scarcity. As with many garden centers, Craig sources an array of different types of feeders for various species of birds. He keeps suet and birdseed in stock, as well.
This year, Craig's team has an exciting new offering for bird lovers: handcrafted birdhouses by Heartwood, a birdhouse manufacturer based in Star, Mississippi. "Some have copper roofs, others have wood slatted roofs. They're all finished, stained, or painted, " says Craig of the detailed-yet-durable structures, known for their unique design.
Live Plants: While fresh-cut trees and natural garlands are nostalgically beautiful (and oh, so fragrant), there's something to be said for a plant that's truly alive, and happily blooms indoors throughout the winter season. Plants like these make memorable gifts for just about anyone. Specifically:
Seasonal icons - 'Tis the season for colorful Christmas cactus, classic poinsettia (we're loving the soft pink variety this season!), narcissus paperwhites, and amaryllis bulbs. As in recent years, waxed amaryllis continues to be a popular gift item, with waxes ranging in color from metallic gold to winter white to classic red.
Elegant orchids - A blooming orchid is always in style, no matter the season. Bonus points for arranging it in something special--like a custom ceramic bowl from the recipient's favorite artist, or a funky flea market find in their favorite color
Tropical houseplants - Green, green, and more green. From a towering bird of paradise specimen to a petite Tillandsia air plant in an artistic dish, there's a plant for every style and space constraint.
Succulents - Whether a single specimen or a potted display of mixed varieties, there's a reason these low-maintenance beauties are enjoying their time in the sun as go-to gift ideas for people who love plants.
Statement shrubs - For some gardeners, there's no greater treasure than a special camellia, an old garden rose, or boxwood topiary--and the list goes on. If you know your recipient well enough (and include a plan to help them get it in the ground), this bold choice could establish a beloved fixture in their garden for years to come.
When it's chilly outside and the garden is resting, it's the perfect time to bring the outdoors in and spread some holiday cheer. What better excuse (as if we needed one!) to support our local garden centers during their slower winter season?
Wherever you live, there's a good chance they've been as busy as Craig and his team, stocking up on everything you need to make your home a winter wonderland you can escape to during the coldest, darkest time of the year. And come spring, they'll be here to help you grow the garden of your dreams.
From all of us at Penick Organics, we wish you a joyful holiday season--and a new year filled with big, bright blooms.
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