Things to notice:
If you’re in a low desert region, look for cyclamen, primroses, pansies, and violas to add a bit of color to your winter landscape. In colder high desert areas, you can still create a winter wonderland with the lights of Southwest luminarias.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/orchid-icon.png)
Do you celebrate the holidays with a live tree? Search for an Aleppo or Mondale pine, which can be planted after the holidays as part of a low water-use landscape.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/acorn-icon-bw.png)
Take time out from hustle and bustle of the holidays. Sit around an outdoor fire pit and look at the stars. The Geminid meteor showers peak around mid-month.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/stars-icon.png)
Winter solstice may be the shortest day of the year, but gardeners should take heart knowing that spring is not far away!
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/sundial-icon.png)
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/dec-christmascactus.jpg)
Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera truncata
“One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.” –W.E. Johns
Things to do:
Time to pick your pecans!
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/tree-shrub-icon.png)
Pinch your chrysanthemums back to encourage spring bloom.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/mum-icon.png)
December is the perfect time to design a new landscape plan and make structural improvements to your garden.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/xplant-apricot-icon-1.png.pagespeed.ic.gvo6P2pGhz.png)
Make sure that indoor plants are getting enough sunlight and water. Keep a watch for insects—with the heat on, they can multiply quickly.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/birdfeeder-icon-bw.png)
Keep your bird feeders filled.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/pepper-icon.png)
Don’t forget gardening when you make out your holiday gift list!