| By December, most gardeners have raked all their | | | | against a brick wall with a southern exposure, for |
| leaves, finished planting their spring bulbs and are | | | | example, will be warmer than its surrounding |
| preparing to patiently wait until spring to visit the | | | | environment. In a space such as this, plants which are |
| garden again. If, however, you don't mind the snow | | | | borderline hardy have a better chance at survival |
| or freezing temperatures you don't need to put all | | | | than if planted elsewhere in the garden. |
| those tools away just yet. Winter can be a busy | | | | The canopy of the existing trees can protect plants |
| time for gardeners. Planning, of course, is important | | | | by reducing their radiant heat loss. In winter, the |
| but there are a few other things which can be done | | | | micro-climate beneath a tree may be several degrees |
| as well which require | | | | warmer than the surrounding air, this slight difference |
| Here are a few gardening tips to help you get | | | | in temperature can be beneficial to some plants. |
| through winter. | | | | Being aware of the sun and shade conditions in your |
| Browse through all those gardening catalogs that are | | | | garden is critical to proper plant placement and, in |
| lying around or spend a little time online searching for | | | | turn, to the long term health of your plants. |
| the shrubs and flowers you'll plant during the | | | | Improperly placed plants are a main reason for |
| upcoming season. First, however, plan your new | | | | unnecessary transplants. |
| garden or update your existing one. | | | | Getting to know the conditions of your site before |
| Rework your garden design while the ground is | | | | you begin planning and planting can be the difference |
| frozen. Think about what was missing in the garden | | | | between success and disappointment. Properly |
| during the previous season. Also, walk though the | | | | planned gardens ensure the time you invest in you |
| garden and determine what could make the | | | | garden is worth it, as each properly placed plant |
| landscape more interesting during the winter months. | | | | thrives. |
| Often, a large evergreen serving as an anchor or | | | | Another gardening chore which could be done during |
| specimen shrub can improve a winter landscape. | | | | the winter is pruning deciduous trees and shrubs. |
| Deciduous shrubs and trees with winter berries, | | | | During the winter, while there are no leaves on the |
| unique form or colorful bark can also provide the | | | | trees, you're able to see more clearly a plant's |
| garden with winter interest. | | | | branching structure. Prune any branches which are |
| Forethought is essential when planning a successful | | | | criss crossed or that are growing inward toward the |
| garden. After you've decided what you'd like your | | | | trunk of the tree or shrub. Any upward pointing |
| new garden to offer, begin a site analysis. Having a | | | | branches on a weeping plant should also be removed. |
| clear understanding of your site's conditions is | | | | When pruning, make your cuts slightly above the |
| important as it will enable you to make informed | | | | branch collar. Check on your evergreen shrubs after |
| decisions regarding design and plant selection. | | | | snow storms and shake off the snow if any has |
| Determine the following factors; climate & | | | | accumulated on the branches. |
| micro-climate, sun & shade conditions, wind exposure, | | | | Check your perennial gardens for heaving, especially |
| soil composition and existing vegetation. | | | | in areas prone to repeated freezing and thawing. |
| Plant hardiness zone maps divide the country into | | | | Recycle your Christmas tree as garden mulch and |
| zones based on the lowest average winter | | | | don't forget to feed the birds and provide them with |
| temperature. A plant that is adapted to your | | | | some unfrozen water. Remember to sharpen your |
| hardiness zone is one that can tolerate the lowest | | | | tools so you'll be ready to get to work when the |
| winter temperature your zone typically experiences. | | | | ground thaws. |
| Find out the zone in which you live and use it as | | | | Though you won't be planting new flowers and |
| guide during your plant selection process. | | | | cultivating the soil, winter is the perfect time to |
| Along with the overall climate conditions of your area, | | | | prepare for next spring whether your preparing for |
| micro-climates within your specific site also determine | | | | new garden projects or out amongst the trees and |
| what is appropriate for your garden. A sunny spot | | | | shrubs pruning. |