Holiday sparkle doesn’t have to come from store-bought decor. Your garden can do the heavy lifting this season. With the right plantings (and planning), you can have fresh greenery, pops of color, and edible accents ready just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The trick? Plant now! October and November are prime months across the Western states to set your garden up for a festive harvest, no matter where you live. So grab your trowel, and use these plant picks as inspo to add into your autumn garden.
Evergreens: The Foundation of Festive Style
Thomas J. Story
Nothing says “holiday” like lush green structure, and the easiest way to guarantee that is with evergreens. Planting now allows these hardy beauties to establish roots before winter, ensuring you’ll have full, healthy foliage to cut, layer, and style in arrangements.
For all regions, consider classic staples: boxwood, holly, and bay laurel. Rosemary is another favorite—it’s fragrant, evergreen, and edible, making it perfect for wreaths or as a garnish straight from the garden.
Regional picks that add local flair:
- Pacific Northwest: Western red cedar sprigs, salal, and Oregon grape holly give you texture and glossy greens.
- California Coast & Inland: Toyon, manzanita branches, and eucalyptus add visual interest and fragrance.
- Intermountain West: Juniper, pine, and snowberry create architectural appeal and showy berries.
- Southwest: Desert willow, agave offsets, or barrel cactus provide striking structure—even in frost, they offer sculptural charm.
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Tip: Layer foliage in garlands, wreaths, and planter arrangements to create a lush foundation for your holiday decor.
Thomas J. Story
Holiday Blooms for Late-Season Cheer
Color is just as important as greenery, and fall-planted blooms can shine right through the holidays. The key is choosing hardy annuals and perennials that thrive in cooler temperatures so you’ll be rewarded with vibrant flowers or decorative foliage just when you need them most.
Some all-star choices include pansies, violas, and ornamental kale or cabbage—regional favorites take your arrangements to the next level:
- Pacific Northwest: Cyclamen, hellebores, and winter-flowering camellias add elegance and long-lasting color.
- California Coast & Inland: Christmas cactus, daphne, and calendula bring soft petals and subtle scent.
- Intermountain West: Snapdragon, primroses, and calendula (Ivory Princess would be stunning!) thrive in crisp fall air.
- Southwest: Desert marigold, penstemon, and winter sage (Salvia spp.) provide color and texture even under cooler nights.
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Tip: Plant these now in containers, raised beds, or borders. Mix blooms with evergreens to create contrast.
Edibles That Double as Decor
Thomas J. Story
Nothing elevates a holiday table like ingredients that come straight from your garden. Many herbs and cool-season vegetables planted in fall will be ready to harvest in time for the holidays, giving you a feast that looks as good as it tastes.
Across all regions, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and sage are reliable picks. Their fragrant leaves make perfect garnishes, and they’re naturally decorative when tucked into wreaths and garlands.
Regional highlights:
- Pacific Northwest: Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage provide edible greenery and beautiful textures.
- California Coast & Inland: Citrus like lemons or kumquats and pomegranate branches add color, fragrance, and fruit that’s ready to cut for holiday cocktails or desserts.
- Intermountain West: Carrots, chard, and winter lettuces add harvest-ready crunch and festive color.
- Southwest: Pomegranates, persimmons, and colorful dried chiles provide bold shapes and hues.
Tip: Stagger plantings so you have a continuous supply to snip throughout the season. Fresh herbs and vegetables also make lovely hostess gifts or DIY centerpiece components.
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