During my December Walk through the neighborhood, the first thing I note is one shrub covered with delightful red berries. I believe this is a Nandina shrub.
Nandina Shrub with Red Berries
Nandina is an evergreen shrub with long pointed leaves. In the fall, it has beautiful red berries. It was brought from Asia to the US during the early 1800’s. It is purely an ornamental plant and the berries are poisonous to people and pets. My research shows, if eaten in large quantities, they are toxic to birds.
Nandina is commonly called “sacred bamboo” because the stems and leaves look like bamboo plants. However, it is not related to the bamboo plant. It is actually related to the barberry family.
On some online sites, Nandina is a known invasive plant species. Mainly, this is because it grows so thick, it blocks out other growing woodland plants.
In the fall and winter, this shrub has bunches of bright red berries.
Today while out running errands, I saw this Nandina plant outside of an office building. It has both red berries and red leaves.
Indeed it does have bamboo-looking stems and leaves.
Trio of Snowmen on December Walk
Nothing is cuter than a trio of faux snowmen waiting, I guess, for that first snowfall.
The three snowmen are of various sizes. All the snowmen wear red and black plaid scarves around their necks and have carrot noses. Two of the snowmen have red and white caps. While the largest snowman has a black top hat worn at a jaunty angle.
Behind the pristine snowmen is a pole lamp decorated with faux wrap around pine garland.
Candy Canes, Pine Tree, and Joy Blocks
This is an interesting yard because the Christmas pine tree is artificial and stakes into the ground. The tree has old fashion looking Christmas bulbs wrapped around it. Several large candy canes dots the yard. Next to the tree are a trio of presents spelling the word joy.
This yard is ready to glow for the Christmas holiday season.
Ending Notes on December Walk
So, It is nice to get some exercise, fresh air and review some of theneighborhood’s Christmas decorating efforts. ‘
Now to take a walk at night to view some of the light show.
Resource Sites: Nativebackyards.com and lewisginter.org