Top 10 Winter Houseplants

With colder weather approaching, many of us are forced to get our gardening fix indoors. Houseplants can help us maintain a connection to nature and keep our green thumbs in shape. With thousands of plants suitable for indoor culture, it's easy to find some with flowers, foliage, or fragrance tha... >>more

Greening for the Holidays

Greening encompasses many aspects of life, not just exercising our green thumbs. Reducing energy use, emissions, and toxic pollutants helps the environment and improves our health, so here are some steps we can take toward making this a greener holiday... >>more

Protecting Plants Against Old Man Winter

Even though my witch hazel and aromatic 'Raydon's Favorite' aster are still blooming, I know the gardening season is ending and it's time to take steps to help my outdoor plants make it through the winter. The time I take now can mean the difference between plant survival and loss... >>more

December 2007

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William Moss
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December Q and A

Question: Can you recommend some elementary school gardening curricula? ... >>more

December Gardening Tips

Water houseplants sparingly. During the winter months many houseplants slow their growth and don't need as much water and fertilizer. The exceptions are plants that flower in winter (see my Top 10 Winter Houseplants article), which typically use more water and fertilizer than other plants. Be mindful that overwatering tends to cause more problems than underwatering.

Examine the trees on and adjacent to your property. Weak or broken branches that could cause damage during a wind or ice storm should be removed. If you're not sure what steps to take, call a professional arborist for a consultation.

Visit downtown parks and winter festivals to view holiday displays and get decorating ideas for indoors and out. While there, check out the public activities. During winter many cities offer free admission to public ice skating rinks -- always a good way to burn calories and collect bruises.