Gardening is a big part of my life, and I don't like winter at all! Having said that when I think about the seasons of the year the idea that winter is a dead time has always seemed wrong, so at some point, after seeing on the front gate of a garden center "DORMANT", well? I began to think of winter as dormancy, just made sense to me thenbecause, there is very little growing going on, at least very little growing that you can readily see. Trees and plants send out new roots, new animal life awaits new births and the plenty of Spring.
That would make winter the season of rest and regeneration. I still don't like winter much.
Merry Solstice! To that point.
PLANTS OF THE YULETIDE 
& their symbolism ~ from The Heirloom Gardener - John Forti
& their symbolism ~ from The Heirloom Gardener - John FortiHistory shows that the botanicals we used for holidays were simply those thriving in that season. Yuletide and Solstice botanicals used for decorations include:
, Christmas fern
and wintergreen
as symbols of immortality since they were among the only botanicals to stay green when all others lost their leaves.
and wintergreen
as symbols of immortality since they were among the only botanicals to stay green when all others lost their leaves.
•Yews represented the death of the old year and were a connection between this world and the next.
•Oak trees were revered for being long-lived. Even though they were not evergreen, they were symbols of eternal life and considered a source of protection, strength, and endurance.
•Rosemary, an evergreen shrub in warm climates, was called the herb of the sun and the herb of remembrance.
*Bay, an evergreen herb used in holiday garlands and comforting teas. Bay laurel also signifies achievement and celebration.
•Birch trees symbolized new beginnings.
•Mistletoe stood for peace, happiness and smooches.
•Holly was used for magical protection and good luck.
•Ivy symbolized fidelity, faithfulness, and healing and was made into wreaths and garlands to decorate during the winter.
•Pine symbolized peace, healing, and joy.
Artist ~ Carlton Alfred Smith [#heirloomgardener] Grow what you can and gather with respect to nature and the habitat you share.
