Wichita gardener’s almanac for Dec. 19

Winter arrives Monday — Monday will be the shortest day of the year, as the winter solstice arrives at 10:48 p.m. Happy last weekend of fall! The days start lengthening again Wednesday.

Christmas tree recycling — Christmas-tree recycling sites open Tuesday, and they’ll stay open through Jan. 24. The trees will be chipped, and the mulch will be available for free at these locations:

Boston Park, 6655 E. Zimmerly; Buffalo Park, 10209 Hardtner; College Hill United Methodist Church, First and Erie; Earhart school, 4401 N. Arkansas; Edgemoor Park, 5815 E. Ninth St.; Extension Center, 7001 W. 21st St.; Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E. 29th St. North; Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 Museum Blvd.; Osage Park, 2121 W. 31st St. South; South Linwood Park, Hydraulic and Mount Vernon.

In Cheney, East South Avenue and Garfield; Clearwater, Aquatic Center parking lot; Colwich, 115 N. Third; Derby, 2801 E. James; Garden Plain, water tower; Goddard, Means Park; Kechi, 107 Sioux; Maize, 201 S. Park; Mount Hope, 400 S. Thomas; Mulvane, 117 E. Main; Park City, 6801 N. Hydraulic; Valley Center, Veterans Park.

Garden events

Illuminations — Botanica’s lights display runs through Dec. 31 (except Dec. 24 and 25). Hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $8, $7 for members, $6 for ages 3 to 12; children under 3 get in free. Advance tickets can be purchased at Botanica or QuikTrip.

Pre-Christmas farmers market — The Kansas Grown Farmers Market will have an indoor market from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Extension Center, 21st and Ridge Road. More than 40 farmers and crafters will have food and items for sale.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 2:10 PM with the headline "Wichita gardener’s almanac for Dec. 19."