GARDEN FANATIC: Planting for the holiday season

“Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas? You know, the birth of Santa.” “” Matt Groening

“Next to a circus there ain’t nothing that packs up and tears out faster than the Christmas spirit.” “” Kin Hubbard

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The pure light of autumnal skies have led us again into December beginning with clear, crisp mornings and continuing with sunsets, which rival the best anywhere.

What I appreciate most about the holidays are the lights. They represent the spirit of Christmas the original reason for a celebration.

Meanwhile, obviously planning for the holidays, your questions for the Plant Man included

Q. Are Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti the same?

A. No. Thanksgiving cactus has flat joints, blooms reliably in late November, and its flowers are less symmetrical than those of the Christmas cactus (which often waits to bloom until the New Year).

Q. How do I care for my Christmas cactus after it stops blooming?

A. Allow it to “rest” for six weeks by withholding water. When new growth appears, keep the soil moist.

Q. I know roses should be pruned soon. What kind of clippers should Santa bring me?

A. I recommend the Felco family of hand pruners; they are “simply the best.” The original design of the Felco 2 has remained unchanged for forty years. For smaller hands, I recommend the Felco 6.

Q. Is Christmas pepper poisonous?

A. No, but the fruit is hot! The fruits of Jerusalem cherry, also available around the holidays, are poisonous.

Q. My poinsettia from last year has grown but not blossomed. What happened?

A. One possibility is light the poinsettia is a “short-day” plant, and if grown in a room with several hours of night-light, it won’t bloom.

Q. Are the pink and white poinsettias more difficult to grow than the red ones?

A. The newer hybrids are as easy to grow as the originals!

Q. What type of Christmas tree would you recommend?

A. Only a living one!

Earlier this week, as I tossed thick holiday catalogs into the trash (with enticements that I either couldn’t afford or didn’t care for), I wondered if I had permanently outgrown the holiday season. After all, I can barely hear the yuletide music anymore. Fortunately, Catharine and Mary Kate lifted my spirits with their holiday planning, and Christmas lights, a poinsettia and maybe a wreath are again on my weekend list. See you next time.

STEVE KAWARATANI is married to Catharine Cooper, and has one cat and five dogs. He can be reached at (949) 497-8168, or e-mail to plantman2@mac.com.