Holly symbolizes a wish for domestic happiness.
Although some animals and birds enjoy holly berries, they are semi-toxic to humans.
The good news is that deer tend to avoid eating holly due to their sharp leaves, which makes them a deer-resistant plant for gardens.
The Narcissus (Paperwhite)
While there are many types of flowers in the genus Narcissus (including the daffodil), the paperwhite is the winter-growing variety and the birth flower for December.
We do have some (artificial) holly sprigs indoors as part of the Christmas Holiday décor. I do like seeing the green leaves and lovely red berries, but haven't any paperwhites. Do you have either of these two December flowers in your home?
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All the best Jan
...paperwhites are beautiful, but they are too fragrant for me.
ReplyDeleteHello Jan, I did not realize the December birth flowers are holly and the paperwhite. I learn something everytime I visit your blog and I thank you for that. :-) I especially like knowing that the Narcissus (Paperwhite) conveys that you want your beloved to stay just the way they are. I think this will be my next purchase at the flower shop. :-) You asked: "I wonder will you be making any New Year resolutions?" I haven't really set one yet, but my initial thought ... Resolved to see if I can keep walking, nearly every day, about 2 miles (3.2km) in 2022. I am not sure if I will get marked down for selecting a resolution that is just a continuation of a habit I've already developed. :-) Thanks, Jan, for sharing your blog and for the kind comments you leave on mine. Happy New Year to you and Eddie! John
ReplyDeleteThat's fascinating Jan, enjoyed learning this very much. Thank you for another interesting post and for the many you have shared since I have been coming here. Happy New Year to you and Eddie!
ReplyDeleteMe encanta el acebo. Te mando un beso
ReplyDeleteI was unfamiliar with paperwhites.
ReplyDeleteThe Cleveland Botanical Garden had orchids, ferns and bromeliads arranged to look like a Christmas tree--photo here: https://relievemypain.blogspot.com/2021/12/merry-christmas.html
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed this post, my sister was just gifted paper whites.
ReplyDeleteHappiness and hope are welcome at any time of the year.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting about these flowers.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan Beautiful post
ReplyDeleteHappy New Years
I never make resolutions, I either forget them or don't keep them. My mantra is 'live in the moment' and I use it for years. Happy New Year, Valerie
ReplyDeleteSeason's greetings to you as well, lovely colours.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for everything you share in your blog, wish you all the best for 2022
ReplyDeleteWe forced paperwhites when the girlies were little. So pretty.
ReplyDeleteLove reading your posts! Thanks fro sharing.
ReplyDeletePaperwhites are such lovely flowers, I know some people have them growing so that they bloom for Christmas, whereas Holly just shouts Christmas at me.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeletePretty holly photo, I love the paperwhites.
Take care, have a great day!
I wish you all the best in 2022, Happy New Year!
I always learn something new.
ReplyDeleteThis mornings has become one of learning as I visit the blogs of my friends. I enjoyed learning about the paperwhite as I had no idea this was a winter flower.
ReplyDeleteSending you the very best wishes for a wonderful new year.
ReplyDeletei loved the paper white flowers !
ReplyDeleteit was nice to learn how flower speak symbolically for our emotions specially i was unaware about December flowers ,thank you for great posts as always
health ,peace and joy to you and loved ones!
I am a December birthday and never realized that Holly was my birth flower. When I was very young we lived in a garden apartment complex that was landscaped with lots of holly bushes. From that young age, I always found myself attracted to them.
ReplyDeleteI try to grow paperwhites each year. I had no idea of their background, so thank you!
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas Week!
Thanks for the info on paperwhites, it is all new to me.
ReplyDeleteHappiness and hope, lovely plants, especially the paper whites.xxx
ReplyDeleteGreat post with lots of info and wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteWe have a holly bush in our garden. Paperwhites I usually grow in bulbs, but didn't this year, choosing an amaryllis instead. It's been slow and is not yet blooming, but a bud is forming and in January I'll have a beautiful flower.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Hello, Paperwhites are pretty flowers and I love the photo and the message they are said to convey. If December flowers bring happiness and hope, they are welcome in my home. I never make New Year's Resolutions, but I do send New Years greetings. "Happy New Year to Jan and Eddie" and to their Family/families.
ReplyDeleteI lack the will and energy, but I meant to go find me some paperwhites and amaryllis, I really did!
ReplyDeleteI love both those plants. So pretty.
ReplyDeletei have paper white bulbs waiting to be planted. tomorrow is the day!!
ReplyDeleteJan - we have some artificial holly as decorations! For all that my parents were both born in December, I did not know that paperwhites are the birth flower for the month! Thanks for the education! Happy New Year to you!
ReplyDeleteI love the post - because...
ReplyDeleteMy birth month is December.
My granddaughter's name is Holly.
So there's that!
Nice post
thank you.
After I take down the Christmas decorations I plan on going out and picking some of our Holly to put in an arrangement!
ReplyDeleteMuy buen reportaje, me encantó verlo. Besos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos.
ReplyDelete