Well, it's that time of year again - just between Christmas and New Year's - and I'm wondering how much longer the evergreen centerpieces we received as gifts will last. We got two this year. One was from my sister aka Part Time Fla Person. It is a mix of daisies and red roses in a wooden train with a few added greens. The roses bit the dust within two days of receipt but the daisies are going strong. The greens are looking a bit dreary but still hanging in. The other came from my husband's brother and family. It is a mix of evergreens with star-of-bethlehem (ornithogalum umbellatum) and a candle in the center. This, too, is a gorgeous centerpiece and I hope it will also last for a little more time.

We also got a poinsettia. My husband saw this Winter Rose Poinsettia when he went to the home and garden store about a month ago and brought it home. It's doing quite well since we have it in a well lit spot and water it once a week. As the weather warms just a bit I'll move it to the front porch where it will still get good light but be protected from any sudden cold. The next move will be directly into the garden. I'll probably put it in the garden near the new driveway where it will get plenty of light and can reach a height, some say, of up to 7 feet tall although the tallest I've seen is 3 feet. Here's a fun fact. Did you know that there is actually a National Poinsettia Day? Yep - December 12. Why? That day marks the death of the person who brought the plant to the US - Joel Roberts Poinsett. So next year be sure you get your poinsettia in plenty of time to celebrate or just go out to your garden and admire those from last year. Happy Florida Gardening.