December in the UK is less about soil and spades and more about sparkle and scent. Gardens rest, but homes and patios come alive with festive displays. This December Gardening Guide brings together practical gardening tasks, seasonal plant care, and joyous inspiration so you can make the most of your home and garden this month.
Seasonal Gardening Jobs for December
Even though the gardening pace slows, there are still a few essential tasks to stay on top of:
- Remove rotting fruit from apple and pear trees to prevent pests and disease.
- Prune climbing roses (up to February) and tidy shrubs or hedges while they’re dormant.
- Clear leaves from paths and borders to prevent slips and reduce hiding spots for slugs.
- Protect vulnerable plants from frost by covering with fleece, old sheets, or moving pots to sheltered spots.
- Tidy storm damage by repairing fences, supports, or trellises after winter winds.
Tip: December is also a good month to dig over bare soil, winter frosts will naturally break down large clumps into a finer texture for spring planting.
Festive Plants for Indoors and Out
Christmas isn’t complete without seasonal plants, and December is their moment to shine:
- Poinsettias: Iconic red bracts that brighten any room.
- Cyclamen: Perfect for cool hallways, windowsills, and sheltered outdoor pots.
- Amaryllis: A dramatic indoor favourite with large, trumpet-like blooms.
- Christmas cactus: Exotic blooms just when you least expect them.
Tip: Stagger planting amaryllis bulbs every two weeks to keep flowers blooming throughout the entire festive season.
Wreaths, Garlands, and Natural Decor
Bring a touch of nature indoors with handcrafted decorations:
- Fresh wreaths made with holly, fir, and pinecones add a charming touch to doors.
- Garlands of ivy and spruce are perfect for mantels or staircases.
- DIY options: Use holly, berries, and prunings from your own garden,, but cover holly plants if you want to save the berries for December.
Christmas Trees: The Heart of the Season
Few traditions bring families together like choosing the Christmas tree.
At Vanstone Park Garden Centre, you’ll find:
- Nordmann fir: Known for needle retention.
- Norway spruces: Classic scent of Christmas.
- Potted trees: A sustainable option to replant outdoors after the holidays.
Tip: Cut a small slice from the trunk before placing your tree in water to help it drink more effectively, and always keep the stand topped up.
Gifts for Garden Lovers
December is a quieter gardening month, making it the perfect time to give the gift of gardening.
- Children’s gardening kits – spark curiosity in the next generation.
- Garden furniture and lifestyle items – for those who love to relax outdoors.
- A Reward Card – giving year-round joy with every purchase.
Festive Outdoor Displays
Even in December, outdoor pots and planters can glow with life:
- Fill containers with cyclamen, violas, heathers, and evergreen grasses.
- Add fairy lights or lanterns for magical evenings.
- Use evergreens to frame your doorway and create a welcoming entrance.
Tip: Group pots together by the front door to create an instant festive focal point.
Wildlife at Christmas
Amid the festivities, don’t forget your garden visitors:
- Keep bird feeders topped up with seeds, nuts, and suet.
- Break the ice on bird baths daily for fresh drinking water.
- Leave berries on some plants for natural winter food.
Supporting wildlife adds movement and life to a winter garden.
Frequently Asked Questions: December Gardening Guide
What plants are best for Christmas displays?
Poinsettias, amaryllis, cyclamen, and Christmas cacti indoors; violas, heathers, and evergreens outdoors.
Can I keep my Christmas tree alive after the holidays?
Yes, choose a potted tree and replant it outdoors in January for years of festive use.
How can I make natural Christmas decorations?
Use holly, ivy, pinecones, and fir branches for wreaths, garlands, or table centrepieces.
Should I still feed birds in December?
Absolutely. Birds need high-energy food in winter and will quickly come to rely on your garden as a feeding spot.
December Gardening Checklist
- Remove rotting fruit from trees
- Prune roses, shrubs, and hedges
- Clear leaves from borders and paths
- Protect tender plants from frost
- Choose and decorate your Christmas tree
- Add festive plants indoors and out
- Support wildlife with food and water
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants are best for Christmas displays?
Classic festive favourites include poinsettias, amaryllis, cyclamen, and Christmas cacti for indoors. For outdoor cheer, go for violas, heathers, and evergreens to add colour and texture.
How can I keep my Christmas tree fresh through December?
Cut a small slice from the trunk before placing your tree in water to help it absorb moisture. Keep the stand topped up daily and avoid placing it near radiators or fires.
Can I plant my Christmas tree after the holidays?
Yes, if you’ve chosen a potted tree, it can be replanted outdoors in January. Keep it well-watered and gradually reintroduce it to colder temperatures before planting.
What natural materials can I use for Christmas decorations?
You can make wreaths and garlands using holly, ivy, pinecones, berries, and fir branches. These add a rustic, festive feel and bring a touch of your garden indoors.
Should I still feed garden birds in December?
Definitely, birds need high-energy food like seeds, nuts, and suet during the cold months, and will appreciate a fresh, ice-free water source each morning.
Celebrate with Vanstone Park – December Gardening Guide Christmas Edition
December is less about digging and more about delight. From festive plants and sparkling trees to thoughtful gifts and wildlife care, Vanstone Park Garden Centre has everything you need to make Christmas beautiful, indoors and out.
Visit us this festive season at:
Vanstone Park Garden Centre
Hitchin Rd, Codicote, Herts, SG4 8TH
And while you’re here:
- Sign up for the Newsletter for year-round gardening inspiration.
- Become a Reward Card Member and enjoy exclusive discounts, points, and perks.
This December, let Vanstone Park Garden Centre bring Christmas to life in your home and garden.
