Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
Today marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. We who garden indoors ought to celebrate the occasion. For in our windows, the miracle of spring is at hand.
Yesterday’s sunset, pictured above, occurred at 4:26pm. Today, it shall recline at its earliest — 4:25pm, to be exact. Tomorrow, however, a change will begin, when the sun starts to descend with ever-lessening haste. Will we notice this scanty, gradual increase of light? Hardly. But our houseplants will. The Rabbit’s Foot fern will turn a deeper shade of green. The philodendron vine will unfurl new, heart-shaped leaves. Wax begonias and geraniums will bud with increasing fervor. Hardy bulbs, after their lengthy autumn sojourn in the cold, dark cellar or refrigerator, will begin to sprout fragrant bouquets in the warmth and light of the window garden.
Yes, the calendar informs us that December 21 is the beginning of winter. But indeed, it is the season of rebirth.
Are you ready for the lush greenery, the brilliant blooms, and the exquisite perfumes that shall fill the window garden…even as snow blankets the outside world? I certainly am!
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Erika says
Houseplants do respond to the increase in day length! My plants look their loveliest from January through May!
Adam says
I will be very happy to bid farewell to the shortening days that have led us to this Winter Solstice.
Kevin, how I envy the flowers and fragrances that must satisfy your senses during winter. I really should buy more houseplants, and arrange them in a window garden.
Gardenlady says
Has anyone noticed that December, this year, has been a particularly sunny month? Sure, it's been cold, and we've had snow (in the northeast, anyway). But we've had more sunny days this month than Decembers of the recent past.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Adam – nice to meet you. Stay tuned…there will be plenty of sights (and scents) on this site to inspire you to start a real window garden!
Samantha says
I'm glad that you'll include scents on this site. But do I need to buy a “scratch and sniff” monitor?!!!
Yolanda says
Well, longer days will be good for my plants, and also me.
Randy J says
It is true that we have had nice sunny days this month. They have almost made the cold temperatures bearable. But I say halleluiah to longer days! The plants certainly appreciate the longer daylight hours but I am not absolutely certain that they enjoy them more than I do. Of course watching my Clivia, Amaryllises and forced bulbs come into bloom is wonderful. Is it amlost spring yet!?!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Samantha & Yolanda – LOL!
Randy – I just checked, and sunset today is a minute later than yesterday. The countdown to spring begins!