Christmas is a wonderful time to be a gardener because so many plants are associated with this holiday. One of the easiest ways to decorate is to use lots of holiday plants.

Many of these are potted flowering plants, which are sometimes discarded after they quit blooming. Examples include cyclamen and poinsettias. On the other hand, the Christmas cacti are wonderful houseplants, which readily rebloom. Ornamental pepper plants are just ideal for the holidays. They’re literally smothered with perfectly shaped miniature peppers, which are usually red or orange.

Indoor gardeners can easily turn their Norfolk Island pine into a miniature tabletop Christmas tree by decorating it with miniature ornaments and tiny Christmas garlands and bows. For this occasion I would set the pot into a holiday-themed cache pot.

Since hollies are hardy outdoor species, it isn’t practical to use them for indoor decorations. However, sprigs of cut holly are used in holiday wreaths and arrangements.

In addition, gardeners can decorate freely by using holly and other holiday plant motifs in various kinds of decorations. If you sew it is easy enough to make simple place mats and napkins using fabric printed with holly leaves and berries. If you happen to be a gardener who quilts why not make some quilted table runners and wall quilts using holly leaves and berries, Christmas trees, and other holiday plants?

JWD Publishing makes this simple as they have published several holiday quilt patterns that are perfect for gardeners. “Deck the Halls with Nine-Patch and Holly” by Christine Porter combines quick and easy piecing techniques with easy appliqués of holly. This pattern features instructions for three sizes, including a table runner as well as a small wall quilt and large wall/lap quilt. This design is suitable for a beginner with some prior experience. There is a list of materials and supplies you’ll need for each size along with complete, illustrated easy to follow, step by step directions from start to finish. There are also full size pattern pieces. For the nine patch blocks, you could select holiday fabrics depicting Christmas trees, poinsettias, and other holiday plants. This pattern has instructions for assembling each size quilt.

Also from JWD Publishing comes “Holiday Lights,” an Alex Anderson Classics quilt pattern. This design has instructions for four sizes, including a wall or lap quilt that is 48 inches by 52 inches and bed quilts from twin to queen. This appealing design features Christmas trees in varying shades of green with strands of Christmas lights around the borders. A saw tooth inner border of red and green bring to mind red poinsettias. This has a handy chart listing everything you’ll need to make the different sizes along with cutting charts. This uses easy appliqué methods as well as some piecing. This pattern is suitable for intermediate level quilters. There are complete detailed directions for everything from preparing the fabric to cutting and piecing and completing the quilt. This has full size pattern pieces.