The December 2023 California Gardening To-Do List

When you live in California, especially Southern California there is no need to give up growing and playing in your garden. However, choosing the right fruits and vegetables for the winter climates is important. The temperatures tend to fluctuate between 40-80 degrees with mild to direct sunshine. These elements can be a challenge but with proper planning can be accomplished. Here are some new and fun ideas for your new or established winter garden.

Southern California:

1. Begin to cut back ornamental grasses to get ready for new growth.
2. Plant pre-chilled bulbs within the first few weeks after Christmas.

Northern California:

1. Protect young trees and fruits from frost.
2. Be prepared for unexpected cold spells and frosts with old clothes for row covers and DIY cloches (use soda bottles and milk jugs).
3. Feed winter-flowering shrubs.

Both regions:

Depending on your environment, here are some suggested non-frost cold weather plants: asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chives, collards, endive, favas, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard greens, onions, parsley, parsnips, peas, potatoes, radish, rutabaga, spinach, swiss chard, and turnips.

Plant some floral cool-season annuals such as poppies, pansies, violas, linaria, diascia, and nemesia.

• Try a fresh new look in your container garden with some colorful flowers and ornamental grasses.
• Native plants throughout California are now becoming a visual masterpiece throughout our neighbor's gardens and parks. 
• Natives can be a fun new way to explore native California horticulture while incorporating water-reduction plants into your garden.
• Divide and replant clumping perennials. For you organic growers try some fish emulsion to help secure their growth and for some other options for quick root growth such as: Green Light Concentrate Root Stimulator and Starter Solution.
• December is the best month to plant those cool-season grasses, including Marathon and Delta.
• Plant permanent plants that you may have missed planting in fall, such as trees, shrubs, vines and perennials.
• Reduce your watering for your deciduous fruit trees, therefore including them to go dormant for winter. This encourages optional growth in spring.

Top Gardens and Sustainable Places to Visit in Southern California

I am so amazed by the amount of dedication and creativity the people put into things. There is truly an infinite amount of creation and exploration to be done in this life, where does sleep come in? Here are some of my top ten gardens I would like to explore in California. I would love to hear others experiences, if you have been there or have found some great gardens or creative sustainable solution oriented farms that I have not mentioned.

1) Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in: Modjeska Canyon, CA

Guided tours, natural history museum, children's garden, hiking, and a wildlife sanctuary.

2) Cal-Earth/ The California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture

Located in: Hesperia, CA

Alternative architecture workshops including Adobe housing, Eco-Dome's, children's field trips, Earth One Vaulted House Design, Lunar and Planetary Architecture Designs, and much more.

3) Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens

Located in: Claremont, CA

Garden walking club, native plant workshops, and celebrations, Luminaria Nights (illuminated evenings in CA native gardens) this looks great, please let me know if anyone has been to this. All kinds of events including Bird Fest, Wildflower Shows, Art in the Garden, Yoga and Tai Chi in the Garden, workshops, and so much more.

4) San Diego Botanic Garden

Located in: Encinitas, CA

Four miles of garden trails, nation's largest bamboo collection, a variety of microclimates, children's classes, children's birthday parties, special event rental & weddings, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts events, garden sculpture, bird watching, Annual Insect Festival, and even a Christmas event called The Garden of Lights with snow!

5) Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Located in: Santa Barbara, CA

Native plants, Remote Access Weather Station, Guided and Self-Guided Tours of Garden History and The Oaks of California, Active Member of the Center for Plant Conservation. Classes on Gardening under Oaks, The Fascinating Eco-System of Wetlands, Meet the Spring Plant Family, and much more.

6) Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Located in: Arcadia, CA

Art in the Garden, Meyberg Waterfall, a Garden for All Seasons, Garden Environments similar to Africa, Australia, and the Americas, and Queen Anne Cottage at Baldwin Lake. Fun, interactive, and a complete classroom outdoors, all tucked near the San Gabriel Mountains. Home of the LA Garden Show.

7) Sherman Library & Gardens

Located in: Corona Del Mar, CA

2.2 Acre Horticultural Retreat, Gardens, Patios, and Conservatories linked together by wide brick walkways. Flower beds, bubbling fountains, and a library with a specialized research center devoted to the study of the Southwest.

8) Anza-Borrego Desert Park

Located in: San Diego, CA

Some activities may include: 

• Desert Excursions
• Outstanding Historical and Cultural Preserve
• New Years Resolution walks up Alcoholics Pass
• Wi-Fi Service within 150 feet of the Ranger's Office
• Home of the Big Horn Sheep
• Wildflower and Cactus Displays
• Stargazing
• Bird Basics
• Hike to Native American Village
• Cave Exploring
• and more

9) Descanso Gardens

Located in: La Canada Flintridge

Descanso has been described as "a garden of gardens," each garden has its own special charm. Cafe & Gift Shop, Enchanted Railroad, The Historic E. Manchester Boddy House, Sturt Haaga Gallery, Horticultural and Garden Programs, Children and Family Events, Lifestyle and Wellness Programs, Facility Rental for Weddings and Events, and much more. Descanso Gardens also offers assistance with your horticulture problems, just email them.

9) Cedar Creek Falls/Devil's Punch Bowl

Located in: Eastern San Diego, CA

Part of Cedar Creek Falls, 80 ft, Plunge Pool, About 4.5-mile Hike Round Trip

10) Chula Vista Nature Center

Locate in: Chula Vista (San Diego), CA

The Chula Vista Nature Center is a living, breathing, flapping, buzzing, and splashing home to the unique animals and plants of Southern California. 6 miles south of downtown San Diego, the Nature Center sits on the 316-acre Sweetwater Marsh National Refuge. Endangered species breeding and release program. Shark, Ray, Turtle and Eagle interaction. Composting Workshops, Children's Day Camp, Arts & Crafts, Docent Training, Kayak San Diego Bay, Overnight Adventures, Discovery Tours, Scouting Programs, and Teen Biologist Career Programs. Wow!