Published: December 01. 2011 2:00AM

Written by Kondria WoodsPhotography by Josh Norris

The beauty of the holiday season is reflected in the faces of our loved ones, in the cherished memories we recall and in the simplicity of a holiday-themed floral arrangement.

And when it’s time to find something special for the gardener or garden lover on your gift list this year, what’s the next step? A gift that keeps on blooming and growing, of course!

“When a customer tells me they are looking for a gift, I know they want something custom and special,” said Kristi Podsiadlo, owner of Dahlia – A Florist. “This means that the details are important. Such as, I love to put forced bulbs in unexpected containers, like French wine crates, or glass cubes and bowls. Glass allows me to put fun elements inside the vase, like rocks and colorful mosses that add another dimension to the design.”

Ann Sparkman, owner of Martin Nursery, added, “Nothing says you are special more than an orchid or a perfect poinsettia. For the unusual, consider the new varieties of Lenten rose or hellebores, a mixed potted arrangement, yard art, and herbs — especially herbal topiaries.”

According to Podsiadlo, two trends to watch during the 2011 holidays are selecting blooms that can give more “bang for the buck” and finding those unusual ideas expressed in blooms.

“Both of these trends can be accomplished with the double amaryllis, such as the gorgeous red and white Alvas. The bloom is 8 inches wide, and each bloom has as many petals as some roses. Another trend is using bolls of cotton as an accent at the base of a plant or inside a glass vase.”

Sparkman said florist azaleas, like those that bloom for between six and eight weeks but are unable to survive the winter cold, and forced hydrangeas, are also special. “True gardeners love plants that are forced to bloom out of the normal pattern.”

Houseplants that add festive color and last beyond the holiday season aren’t hard to find.

“Hardy flowers we actually grow are beautiful begonias and geraniums for winter color,” Sparkman said. “Both of these are good interior choices if you have great sunlight. Other plants that give you excellent value for your dollar are bromeliads and orchids. Cyclamen is another great houseplant, as it likes bright light and a cool room — think living rooms or dining rooms. Keep them out of the rooms with roaring fires.”

If you’re looking for some floral ideas that will brighten up the landscaping outside the house, there are options that can actually brave Old Man Winter’s chilly breath.

“As far as outside hardy flowers,” Sparkman said, “you have one reliable choice in the Upstate: pansies. They can be violas or traditional pansies, but it is the only winter flower for all the winter season.”