MASTER GARDENERS

Only two flowers really represent Christmas: poinsettias and amaryllis. We can't grow these plants outside in our climate, but we can regrow them indoors. Instead of relegating these flowers to the compost heap when they finish blooming, save them for an encore appearance next year. Follow the following instructions to ensure your success.

Amaryllis

In my experience, amaryllis is easy to carry over into the next holiday season. After the flowers have faded, continue to grow the plant as you would many houseplants; give it bright, indirect sunlight and water every time the top 1-2 inches of soil dries out. In early summer, you can move the plant outside to a spot on your deck or in the garden. Water regularly and feed it a balanced house plant fertilizer once a month. At the end of summer, take the plant inside and put in a cool, dark room. The leaves will die, so cut them off before storing. About a month before Christmas, take the plant out of the dark room and repot into a larger pot with fresh soil. Set it in a spot with bright, indirect light and water it when the top 1-2 inches dry out. Just like that, you'll have year-round amaryllis. The hardest part is remembering to take it out of its dark room at the appropriate time, so note it on your calendar.

Poinsettia

While poinsettias require a bit more care, it's worth the effort. After the blooms fade and the leaves turn yellow, gradually withhold water until the leaves fall off. Then, put your plant in a cool, dark spot. With poinsettias, it's important they stay in complete darkness. Keep the soil fairly moist, just enough to keep the stems plump. Bring the plant out of storage in May or June and cut the stems down to about 6 inches tall. Remove the plant from the pot and wash the soil away from the roots, then repot in a fresh, well-draining mix. You can move your plant outside for the summer, watering regularly and fertilizing with a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month. Once temperatures start cooling, bring the plant inside and put it in a warm, sunny window - the brighter the better. Poinsettias need long nights, so give them 10 hours of bright light and 14 hours of dark. Ensure the plant receives no light after the daily 10 hours because any additional light will delay blooming. Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil dries out and feed once a month.

■ Interested in learning more tips and tricks to help you become a better gardener? Join the Mason County WSU Master Gardener's Through the Garden Gate educational series. The six-workshop series starts Jan. 20 and runs through March 2. To learn more and sign up, go to http://www.tinyurl.com/338mewmb or call 360-427-9670 ext. 682.