Christmas is upon us and such a busy time of year with parties to attend, carols to be sung, presents to be bought, family and friends to entertain, … the list goes on but little time is left to get out and tend our gardens. 

One task that has been a priority in the garden of late is watering! 

Keeping the plants alive in this dry, sometimes windy period has been a challenge but necessary if we want your little patch of paradise looking its best for the festive season.

Many of our Christmas celebrations are held in the garden due to our climate and laid-back disposition. 

Over the years, we as a nation have developed our own traditions associated with the festive season, more akin to our hot summer climate and this includes our choice of Christmas flowers and plants.

In the nineteenth century, our native Christmas Bush, Christmas Bells and Christmas Orchids were becoming popular decorations for the home and still remain so today. 

It’s interesting to note that Tree Ferns were also popular as Christmas decorations but are rarely seen today. 

Another flower that has become popular at this time of year is the common agapanthus or Star of Bethlehem, so called because of its star shaped flowers. 

Even the poinsettia has been adapted to suit our summer Christmas season.

Originating in Mexico and a symbol of Christmas in the Northern hemisphere, the poinsettia flowers in winter but by manipulating light levels, nurseries mass produce a dwarfed variety for the local Christmas market.

Once planted into the garden, it will revert to its winter flowering and also its normal grow habit – tall!

Stars in my garden at this time of year and ones I associate with Christmas are Bromeliad Portea petropolitana, with its magnificent half metre flower spike, the heavenly scented upside down orchid Stanhopea tigrina and the brilliant red of the Illawarra flame tree Brachychiton acerifolius.

Another tradition we have adopted from our northern neighbours is the decorated tree which has become central to our Christmas festivities - in the home, on the lawn and in public spaces.

Whether fake, fir, spruce or gum, the Christmas tree has long been a symbol of hope, healing, longevity and renewal.

May your Christmas and New Year be filled with such sentiments and your garden be ever a joy and inspiration!