You may think that not much can be done when it comes to keeping things green in winter, but that is not really so.

Winter is a great time to plan for new growth in your yard and garden and to get those orders into nurseries to ensure proper shipping times.

Now is the time to look at your yard and garden, take measurements and spend some cold winter evenings planning improvements to make more wildlife habitat and more "green" benefits such as flowering trees that beautify and add value to your property, shrubs that can define and give your yard privacy, and trees that provide shade and beauty.

Choose trees and shrubs that are native to our area and you will have fewer growth problems. Make sure you read the information given on each tree and shrub, such as its planting zone, very important for them to survive (We are in Zone 5); growth habits, such as height and width; growing needs, such as sunlight, shade, moist or dry, then decide if that specimen is right for you. 

Always keep in mind each tiny tree or shrub will grow and become too large for its location if you don't follow some guidelines:

   *Plant the tree or shrub far enough away from structures that when mature, there will still be two or three feet clearance.
 This is one mistake you find repeated over and over in landscaping, take it into consideration when planning.

   *Put the plan down on paper so you can see if you may encounter problems as trees and shrubs mature.

   *Choose appropriate types, read about them or follow your nursery's recommendations;
 think of sunlight, drainage, purpose, maturity sizes and seasonal changes.

   *Make mowing easier by consolidating your plantings in groupings and mulch or plant groundcovers around them that need no mowing.

 Once you have made the plan and your decisions visit or order from a reputable nursery. If the plants are shipped to you get them into the ground as soon as possible.

Water often the first year and in dry years thereafter. Then enjoy your plantings and the wildlife that visit. 

The Clean & Green Committee

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