One of my favorite yoga teachers reminds me we are human beings, not human doings.  Time with family is tender and also fraught with expectations.  This year I want to be present for all the joy and let go of the idea of the perfect gift, the perfect meal, and any “shoulds” holding me back from being present.  Mother Nature is reminding me that I don’t need to do a thing. You are the gift.

December is an invitation to celebrate with family and friends. I love the wintry strolls and walking the trails of the James River Park System.   Sipping Venus tea with a dear friend at Apothec. Sipping wine with my book club in a YURT at Brambly Park.  Take in the magnificent sparkle at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.  (Lights are fun for all ages and stay up until January 5th.) Getting a reservation at Celladora, a cozy wine shop with splendid snacks, is a chef’s kiss celebration spot. I’m looking forward to cozy gatherings around the firepit with friends. (Here’s my favorite one…a great gift.)  

Give yourself the gift of gorgeous greenery this season.  If you are in the mood for immediate gratification, get a gorgeous custom wreath at Sneed's Nursery, or grab some greenery to refresh your containers.  Need inspiration?   Follow Stephanie on Instagram for ideas and inspiration on how to make your holiday containers look fantastic.  I am inspired to refresh my planters by foraging around my yard.  I’ve always been impressed with this artist who plants beautiful containers like living plant portraits.  Contained Creations is a wealth of inspiration and planter “recipes” for gorgeous container gardens all year long.  

If you still want to dig in the dirt, give yourself the gift of something to look forward to this Spring. Bulbs!!! You can plant all the bulbs you want now and up until mid-January.  Here’s a great article with all the details on how to plant.  My favorite source is locally owned Brent and Becky’s Bulbs are the best, and they have a few things left.  Here is another fantastic mail-order option. There’s nothing more exciting than to see the little green shoots starting to pop up with the anticipation of seeing what will happen!  Experiment with putting them in pots in a lasagna fashion and have a long-lasting Spring Bulb show.  Bulbs are little wishes that will come true in the best way.  

December gives us the gift of the end, turning the page of the final chapter, and a moment to wonder what's around the corner for next year.  Please remember YOU ARE A GIFT...I bet there are many in your circle who are filled with gratitude for your friendship and care. Thank you to clients and friends who entrusted me with their gardens this year. I am filled with gratitude for you and look forward to next year together.

  - See you in the garden,

Wendell