Plan your color combinations to make the most of your display. Combine two-tone colored tulips with solid colored varieties. For instance, 'Palace Purple' coralbells look striking up against the burgundy 'Uncle Tom' tulip. Pair up white daffodils (also referred to as the orchid narcissus), with pink or rose colored 'Christmas Marvel' tulips.
Gardening experts and enthusiasts have stated that December is not exactly the best time for any garden-related activity. However, they did say that the month is the ideal time to give home gardening supplies as Christmas gifts.
Keep in mind, too, your own commitment to gardening: some plants require more maintenance than others. If you love tomatoes but can't commit to keeping their suckers trimmed, it might be better to visit one of the many farmers around Santa Cruz. Lettuce, on the other hand can be grown year-round if re-seeded, is easy to grow, and can be grown in a relatively small space. Beets are great space savers because they do double-duty as a root vegetable with edible leaves.
So many of us use herbs and vegetables from our gardens for regular daily cooking. It's much more practical to plant those species close together for quick picking. When you're tossing up a fresh tomato salad, it's so handy to have the tomatoes, green onions and basil planted close together. All you have to do is pick, throw in a bowl, add some olive oil and your salad is ready to go. The only thing you have to be concerned with, is that all those plants grow under the same relative conditions.
Provide a variety of vegetation to provide not only a food source, but nesting area, and protection from predators or the elements. Have some ground cover, flower vines, trees and shrubs. Make sure there are lots of nooks and crannies for quick getaways.
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