The recent cold snap took many of us by surprise. Here in Duvall we were 'iced' in for four days and my plants are just beginning to thaw out. I had a few SOS emails asking what to do about container gardens at this time of year so here are a few key things to remember.

1. If a freeze is forecast do NOT water the containers.

2. Snow is a good insulator so don't brush it off the plants.

3. Pansies are incredibly resilient! The flowers will be waterlogged and the whole plant will look limp for a while, but you will be amazed at how quickly they bounce back. Don't despair!

Iridescent 'Wine flash' pansies & orange hair sedge (Carex testacea)

4. Continue to cut off mushy flowers and leaves - it keeps the rest of the plants healthy.

5. Containers under the eaves will not be watered by the rain (you'd be amazed at how many folks  forget this small detail!) They will need to be hand watered thoroughly twice a week.

6. When checking to see if containers need to be watered we typically feel the soil surface to determine if it feels damp. Remember that in winter 'cold' can feel damp. Push your finger an inch or so into the soil to more accurately determine moisture levels.

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Winter is a good time to take a hard look at your garden. Only when the trees are bare of leaves and the perennials have died down do we see the 'bones' of the garden. Evergreen trees and shrubs, the architectural shapes of deciduous plants as well as hardscape elements such as boulders, containers and arbors provide structure and interest when the spring and summer stars have finished. 

Raised beds and an archway (and a dog) give winter interest even under a foot of snow

As you look out of your window what do you really see?

With no winter interest this house looks bare

If the answer is "very little" then it's time to add a little winter magic to your garden to change that. Winter blooming shrubs and finely textured conifers are a good place to start but there are many more possibilities.

If you're not sure how to go about incorporating a winter garden call or email me to arrange a landscape consultation and together we can brainstorm some ideas to suit your budget. If you feel there is a need for a complete re-design of your landscape in the coming year this would also be a good time to arrange a preliminary design consultation. Scheduling well ahead means that you are at the front of the queue for drawings as well as installation should that be needed. Most designers, myself included are fully booked by May so it's time to plan now and begin your garden dreaming. 

Even a deck benefits from a sculptural tree, containers and seating in winter

Call or email me to begin the adventure of fulfilling those dreams and creating a garden you can enjoy in all seasons.

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• Annual Festival of Poinsettias, Molbaks, through December 24th . Music, Kringle, kids activities, 35 varieties of locally grown poinsettias and more.
   
• Garden d'Lights   Bellevue Botanical Gardens, through January 1st 2011  5-10pm. Over half a million lights transform these gardens into a magical wonderland. This is now such a popular event that you are advised to purchase tickets in advance on line, even for the 'free' nights.

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