December Garden Checklist: Regional Tips for Enjoying Your Yard This Month

December gardening varies wildly by region. In mild climates, plant festive camellias and spring bulbs. In cold areas, gather boughs for indoor/outdoor arrangements. In the Southwest, luminarias glow; in the Northeast, feeders bring birds—the best winter garden feature. Here's what to do in December across the U.S.

California

"'Yuletide' Sasanqua camellia (zones 7–10) has the right color and timetable for holiday display," says garden editor Bill Marken. "It blooms late fall to early winter, bright red with yellow center. Tall and slender for a Sasanqua—perfect for a narrow slot. Buy a blooming plant now and pot it near the front door."

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Southwest

"Holidays bring busy activities, but downtime to enjoy your surroundings is essential," writes New Mexico designer David Cristiani. "Any size garden can create a hospitable welcome. Luminarias add regional ambience to the holiday scene."

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Northwest

"In a few minutes, spruce up containers for the holidays," writes Washington designer Karen Chapman. "Tuck in decorations, cones, and cut evergreen boughs."

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Northeast

"Feeders hung from branches or poles provide hours of viewing pleasure," writes Vermont designer Charlotte Albers. "Install feeder poles before the ground freezes. Birds are the flowers of the winter garden, bringing color and joy!"

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Southeast

"Whip out your clippers," writes North Carolina gardener Helen Yoest. "December is prime time to prune evergreens. Burford, Foster, and Nelly Stevens hollies have good berry color now. Recut stems at an angle and condition in warm water for hours before using."

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Great Lakes

"Instead of buying a wreath, fill a vintage ice skate with garden greenery," suggests garden coach Barbara Pintozzi. "Floral foam in the boot neck supports trimmings. Spray conifers with antidessicant to keep fresh; add small ornaments or candy canes."

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Texas

"Last chance to plant bulbs—early month is best," says designer Jenny Peterson. "Plant daffodils, hyacinths, Louisiana irises, jonquils, cannas, gladiolus, dahlias."

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Rocky Mountains

"Mix evergreen boughs, colored branches, berries, pinecones, seed heads for potted arrangements, wreaths, swags," suggests Colorado designer Jocelyn H. Chilvers. "Not enough variety? Plan a cuttings exchange party with friends."

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Central Plains

"A simple rain chain catches crisp sunlight like a diamond," writes Nebraska consultant Benjamin Vogt. "Maybe a rain chain would be a better gift for your sweetheart?"

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