University of Vermont Extension
Department of Plant and Soil Science
Fall
(Holiday) News
Article
A GARDENER’S
NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension
Professor
University of Vermont
T’was the night before Christmas
and under the snow,
Perennials now dormant were
waiting to grow.
The roses were mulched, the soil
piled high,
To protect the graft union so the
plants wouldn’t die.
The strawberries were nestled all
snug in their beds,
While visions of fertilizer
(organic or not) danced in their heads.
The orchard was clean, the fruit
trees at rest,
No diseases were living much less
any pest.
The evergreen branches, all
coated with ice,
Provide shelter for birds that
they would entice.
Shrubs were all sprayed with
repellents this year,
To protect them from feeding by
mice and by deer.
Inside the house are poinsettias
galore,
While wreaths, boughs and holly
adorn the front door.
While enjoying my garden this
quiet, cold night,
What my eyes then spied was a
gardener’s delight!
A jolly old man in suit red and
white,
Pulled up in a sleigh and began
to alight.
He laughed as he said, “I’m a
gardener myself,”
And began to leave gifts packed
by his elf.
Practical gifts like tools and a
mower,
Along with some labels, pots, and
a sower.
To protect our hands were hand
cream and gloves,
For my spouse a sun hat in a
color she loves.
A hoe will be useful for pulling
up weeds,
New flats and soil media for sowing
spring seeds.
Next came a trellis for the
clematis vine,
Stakes for new trees, and to hold
them some twine.
For the patio a planter and large
flower pot,
Both were in colors bold, bright,
and red hot.
To help all our veggies grow
sweet and grow strong,
There were large bags of compost
to help them along.
Our cats will be happy with their
new catnip mouse,
Our birds will enjoy their heated
bath and bird house.
For fun was a rain gauge and new
garden book,
A train for the garden, homemade
jam for the cook.
As jolly St. Nick finished he
winked and stood tall,
And I heard him exclaim “Merry
Christmas,” and Happy Gardening to all.
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