Dear ##firstname[Friend]##,

Crystal Rennicke

Are you out braving the black Friday madness or waiting until the cyber Monday deals this year? Whatever you’re up to, we hope you had a wonderful holiday with your family and friends. If you’re interested in what other gardeners and birders are doing in your region, check out our regional community forums to chat about weather, events and other happenings in your area.

We’re introducing a new photography newsletter, featuring some of the best photos and tips from readers like you. Sign up today! While you’re online, stop by and vote for your favorite bird photo in our Backyard Photo Contest.

Happy Thanksgiving!
–Crystal

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READ ON TO DISCOVER...

• Plant of the Month
• Yard Smarts
• Question of the Month
• Frugal Backyard Tip
• Submit Your Story

Plant of the Month

Winter Heath
Through most of winter and into early spring, this low-growing plant has a great display of small, urn-shaped flowers in hues of purple-pink. There are many reliable, well-known cultivars to choose from, all of which have tiny, needle-like leaves.
Botanical name: Erica carnea
Hardiness: Zones 5 to 7.
Size: 8 to 15 inches tall; up to 24 inches wide.
Growing Advice: Grow in full sun to light shade.

Click here for other favorite plants that shine in winter.

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RDA-GID

Yard Smarts

Easy Holiday Wreaths
Entertaining this holiday season? Greet your guests with a festive wreath hanging on your door. In just three easy steps, you can make a wreath that will shine all winter long. See how.

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Question of the Month

RDA-GID

Protecting Container Plants
How can I protect my container plantings—such as lilies, bleeding heart and astilbe—from harsh winter weather? –Louise Smith, Lansing, Michigan

Melinda:The best way to protect such plantings is to sink the container in the ground in a vacant garden area for winter. For added insurance, mulch the plants with evergreen branches or straw once the ground freezes.

If this isn’t possible, move the planters into an unheated garage. Pack Styrofoam peanuts or other insulating material around the root area for added insulation. Then water the soil anytime it’s thawed and dry.

The riskiest method is to leave the containers above ground. You can group the containers together in a protected spot in your yard. Cover the pots with wood chips or place straw bales around the containers to protect the roots from harsh winter temperatures.

For answers to your gardening questions, click here.

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Frugal Gardener Tip

Thrifty Thanksgiving
I made my own centerpiece for our Thanksgiving dinner with a homegrown gourd. It was the perfect shape to make a little turkey, and my family loved it! —Jill Bostwick, Chehalis, Washington

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Submit Your Story

Do you have a question for our plant or bird experts? Send your inquiries to our Glad You Asked section using our Submit Your Story form.

Submit your story»

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