The presents have been opened and the holiday treats eaten. Even the leftovers are gone. Christmas trees and lights have been taken down and packed away for next year… About the only things left are the live Poinsettias. These tropical plants are sensitive to too much or too little water. You will notice the yellow leaves or bare lower branches. You need to check the soil moisture daily…dry to the touch means not enough water. But bear in mind, that poinsettias hate soggy soil. Remove the outer cover. Replace the cover when all excess has drained out of pot. When it is too dry, remove the pot cover, set pot in a shallow tray and water with room temperature until water runs out the bottom. Leave pots in tray or 15–30 minutes. Don’t leave water in the cover. Avoid nearby heat sources and watch for yellow leaves. 

I hope you are watching the birds in your yard. All the birds appreciate the nourishment afforded by bird feeders in the winter as well as the seeds you left standing in your gardens. Identify which birds you might be able to attract. Attend local bird walks or buy a regional field guide. Keep a list of the birds that visit your garden, with dates and casual observations! Plan for a succession of food from nectar to fruit, to fruit to seeds throughout the year. In addition to food, birds require a year-round water source, particularly in arid times and areas where winter converts most sources to ice (an electric defroster will help in the latter). Birds need shelter from winter winds, appropriate nesting sites, and protection from predators. Evergreens and twiggy, thorny hedgerows work well for this. A layered landscaping strategy of groundcovers, low growing shrubbery, small trees, and large trees makes a garden hospitable to birds. 

If you are planning on adding trellises, stakes, or pathways, this is a good time to work on those. Don’t forget to clean your tools and disconnect your hoses. Don’t prune or fertilize woody plants until late winter. Let your garden lie dormant over the winter.