BRIGHT RED AND EVERGREEN: SHRUBS THAT BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO YOUR GARDEN

Natalie Carmolli, Proven Winners® ColorChoice®

The holidays bring a special kind of magic. Indoors we decorate with fresh greens, berries, and pops of bright red. Outdoors, your landscape can join the celebration with shrubs that naturally glow in classic holiday colors. Whether you garden in the snowy North or the sunny South, these selections bring festive beauty that lasts long after the ornaments are packed away.



WHO PUSHES NEW ECHINACEAS IN DECEMBER? TERRA NOVA DOES!

Dan Heims, Terra Nova

Wow, campers! Where did the year go? With early snows carpeting the country, it gives us pause. Time to plan the plot! You’ve heard me comment on the innovation that Terra Nova brings to the fray. Today we’re going to introduce you to our latest entries of the Delightful™ series of coneflowers.



LIVEN UP THE HOLIDAYS WITH DISH GARDENS

Delilah Onofrey, Suntory Flowers

Are you a houseplant enthusiast? Consider planting a living centerpiece mixing green tropical and blooming plants this season. These mixed planters are commonly known as dish gardens – a miniature garden created in a shallow container featuring a variety of plants and decorative elements.

MEET NEXT SEASON'S HOTTEST COLOR: CLOUD DANCER

Susan Martin, Proven Winners

Big news in the design world: Cloud Dancer, a “billowy white that encourages true relaxation and focus,” has been named the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year. Think puffy cumulus clouds, moonlit daisies and soft white blooms spilling from patio pots. Find inspiration for weaving this elegant neutral into your designs next spring.

ELEVATE YOUR GIFT GIVING GAME WITH PLANTS

Monrovia

The holiday season is full of so many things: time with family and friends, festive gatherings, longstanding traditions, and, of course, searching for those perfect gifts for everyone on the list. Let’s face it, holiday shopping can be a bit stressful. That’s why plants might be the perfect option. Fun to shop for and meaningful to give, plants can be the antidote to the holiday hustle and bustle.



RELAX AND SHARE THE JOY

Wild Birds Unlimited

Note to self: Try not to panic this year! The clock is ticking and many of us are trying hard to keep the endless hype and craziness from diminishing our true joy for the Holiday Season. It is such a special time of the year, a time to gather together and share the blessings of life with those that are closest to us. 

THE BEST PLANTS TO GROW IN YOUR GARDEN TO ATTRACT BENEFICIAL INSECTS

GrowJoy

If you want a healthier, more self-sustaining garden, attracting beneficial insects is one of the smartest moves you can make. These “good bugs” act as your built-in pest control system. The key is simple: the right plants bring the right insects, and once beneficials arrive, your garden changes forever.

HOW TO CARE FOR FIREFLY PETUNIAS

Wayside Gardens

Firefly Petunias are more than your typical flowering plant. By day, they display a soft, classic petunia look with white blossoms, but by night, they come alive with a captivating glow that sets them apart. But to keep these enchanting blooms glowing, Firefly Petunias require a bit more care and attention than standard petunias. Here’s an in-depth look at how to care for Firefly Petunias.



SEED STARTING 101: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR SOWING SEEDS INDOORS AND OUT

Park Seed

There’s a moment every year when the season still feels a little out of reach, but the urge to start growing is impossible to ignore. Seed catalogs gather on the counter and the big question surfaces: Do I start these indoors or sow them right into the garden?

JANUARY ROSE CARE BY ZONE: LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR A THRIVING GROWING SEASON

Paul Zimmerman, Jackson & Perkins

As the new year begins, January is the perfect time to set your rose garden up for success. Winter care tasks like pruning, applying dormant sprays, mulching, and soil testing are key to building a strong foundation for spring growth. Here’s how to tailor your care plan to your region.

COZY KITCHEN GARDEN: HERBS & MICROGREENS TO GROW ALL WINTER LONG

Ashleigh Smith, True Leaf Market

While the garden outside rests for the winter, your kitchen can become the heart of your indoor growing season. Imagine the fresh aromas of basil, thyme, parsley, and rosemary filling your home as you prepare cozy soups and roasts. These fresh scents and flavors can be brought to life by the convenience of a kitchen garden.

DECEMBER BULBS

Hartley Botanic

The days are short and gloomy, and the Greenhouse is packed with plants that are just huddled and sitting out the winter, passing time. There is a time for everything and this is the perfect moment to use the Greenhouse for something a little more lively. This is a great moment to push some bulbs into pots and force them for spring. 

DIY PLACE MARKERS FOR HOLIDAY GATHERINGS

Melinda Myers

Make each guest and family member feel special when serving up a holiday meal. Mark their place at the table with something special they can take home and enjoy for the following days or weeks. Dress up each place setting with a small plant, fragrant herb or flower.

A DIFFERENT LOOK IN THE LIBRARY

This year in the library at Biltmore Estate, there is a different look, but it's fun and nostalgic. Eric finds it a modern look. He loves the blown glass ornaments, and has quite a few of those for his own tree. It's neat to see this wonderful property with so much history reflecting different eras. Watch the video...

A MAGICAL PLACE WITH 67 TREES AND HOLIDAY DECORATIONS GALORE

In this episode GardenSMART visits the largest privately owned residence in the US, where they embrace holiday cheer like no other. The attention to detail in each room is stunning, and a labor of love that takes a team of designers most of the year to pull together. So many elements are taken into consideration when capturing the spirit of each room while accentuating the history and personality that dates back to the original owner. Learn more...