It's easy to forget about watering shrubs and perennials in the winter, but it is important to make sure they are getting enough, at least until the ground freezes.
More tender plants, such as Rhododendrons, Camellias and Azaleas may need protection during severe drops in temperature.
Before freezing temperatures are expected, disconnect your garden hoses at both ends, drain thoroughly, and coil them up to prevent bursting.
Don't forget to cover outside faucets.
If your lawn freezes, stay off the frozen grass as much as possible . . . traffic can do serious damage.
January is a very good time to prune your deciduous trees and shrubs.
Ashes from your fireplace can be saved to use as a fertilizer for Iris and other plants that love an alkaline soil.
Keep your houseplants clean and free of dust . . . it clogs the leaf pores. Spray them off in the sink, and put larger ones in the shower.
Get a taste of spring early . . . indoors! Many early-blooming shrubs and trees, such as forsythia, flowering quince, pussywillow, crabapple, magnolia,
redbud, and fruit trees can be forced to bloom inside, starting in late January through February. Cut healthy branches with obvious buds and place in tepid water in a warm, dimly lit area in your home. Change water often, and depending on the type of plant, you should have lovely blooms in 1 - 3 weeks. Then, move to a bright area and enjoy.
Quick and easy birdfeeders - roll pine cones in peanut butter and then birdseed; tie twine or yarn around the top to make a hanger. Children can cut dry bread with cookie-cutters, spread with peanut butter, and sprinkle with birdseed. You can use Christmas-ornament hooks to secure these.
Make your own suet cakes by combining 1 part melted beef suet, 1 part peanut butter, and 6 parts cornmeal. Stir the melted ingredients well and spoon into wax-paper lined muffins tins till cooled. You could also add wild bird seed, rolled oats, and a handful of nuts or raisins.