Ready to turn your garden into a Christmas wonderland? Style Observer Gardening (SOG) is helping gardeners infuse their outdoor space with the Christmas spirit with guidance from Stacy Thompson, principal of Plantology876.

While personal preference guides the details, transforming a garden into a festive spectacle always centres on a few key elements: Incorporating fresh natural greenery, decorating existing pots with seasonal plants, and establishing a charming focal point.

The cultivation of a merry garden commences with the appropriate selection of flora; Thompson identifies several varieties well-suited for enthusiasts seeking to illuminate their dwelling.

Optimal Plants for the Holidays

Poinsettias: The poinsettia is the quintessential symbol of the Jamaican holiday season. According to Thompson, these bold red flowers are extremely popular — both as gifts and for décor — due to their eye-catching colour and ease of maintenance.

Red Ixora: Thompson suggests the red ixora, or West Indian Jasmine, as a perfect option for garden borders. Its bright floral clusters provide a decorative feature that can significantly elevate the space.

Bougainvilleas: Bougainvilleas are celebrated for their adaptability in tropical climates and bloom profusely year-round. However, Thompson specifically recommends the Snow White bougainvillea around Christmas, noting that its colour provides a snowy, festive look.

Crotons: For holiday cheer, crotons should be considered, thanks to their easy maintenance and vibrant hues. Thompson explains that their colourful leaves, whether red, yellow, or orange, mimic traditional festive colours, adding significant flair.

Hibiscus: Thriving naturally in the warm climate, its bright, festive blooms — available in red, pink, yellow, or white — make it a great option for decorating entrances and creating a welcoming feel.

Anthuriums: Known for symbolising love, hospitality, and joy, these plants also boast vibrant festive colours, including red, pink, and white offering a sleek option for decorating patios. They thrive in warm climates and require low maintenance.

Orchids: Thompson also recommends orchids as a great holiday choice, noting that their luxurious blooms can turn any garden statement area into a magical display. For Christmas, the phalaenopsis is particularly suitable, thanks to its vibrant hues.

Variegated Ginger Lily Cream: Thompson finds the ginger lily a compelling choice for the season because its striped leaves offer such a bright, attractive contrast.

Be sure to join SOG next week as we share more tips to make your garden merrier this holiday season.

Red ixora Naphtali Junior

Snow White bougainvillea 

Crotons (Ken Wiedemann)

Hibiscus (Naphtali Junior)

Stacy Thompson principal, Plantology876