If your green thumb is feeling a little blue because of the cold weather during the holidays, don’t worry. There are many cold weather plants that can be grown indoors for you and your family to enjoy and appreciate.

Christmas cactuses are aptly named because they tend to bloom right around the holidays. With a little light and ample amounts of water (but not too much water) these plants will blossom just in time for your holiday guests to enjoy. Poinsettias are given throughout the holiday season, because they are a beautiful, festive, and sturdy plant that holds up well to the colder holiday months. Whether you give or receive Poinsettias this holiday season, they are a wonderful plant for this time of year. Holly is also well known during the holidays, because it’s great for decorating, and stands up well to the colder weather of the holiday season. Your plant-loving hobbies don’t have to hibernate this winter, and you can enjoy live plants during this time. Surround yourself with the beautiful plants of the holidays.

Most birds do not fly south for winter. In fact, you may notice many songbirds, and other varieties flying around your home looking for food long into the winter season. Decorate your backyard or porch easily with wonderful winter birdhouses.

Many birdhouses and bird feeders are specifically designed for certain types of birds. Similarly, you can purchase birdseed that attracts specific types of birds. Winter doesn’t have to be a desolate time of year. Just because your tiki torches are in hibernation, and your garden is buried in snow doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the peace and serenity of your backyard. Enjoy the beauty and grace of birds in your yard with winter birdhouses that will attract countless birds to the exterior of your home. When spring finally rolls around, you’ll notice more and more colorful birds surrounding your home too. Birdhouses are easy to install, and don’t require a lot of maintenance, making them a great way to liven up any portion of the outside of your home. Take in the beauty of nature with gorgeous and lively winter birdhouses.

There is nothing better than growing your very own vegetables in your very own garden. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this may be the last chance to take advantage of the last of your fresh garden bounty.

If you haven’t had much frost, you may still be yielding root vegetables like sweet potatoes, white potatoes, and carrots in your garden. As these are Thanksgiving staples, utilize this in your Thanksgiving menu. While corn may be out of season for eating, if you still have ears of corn in your garden, string them together for a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece or door hanger. Hot peppers are likely still hanging on, so use these items in a spicy cranberry sauce, or a jalapeno cornbread stuffing. Hearty herbs are likely still available, especially if you’ve pulled these inside before any frost damaged them, so use these in your stuffing, and inside your turkey this year. Think outside your typical Thanksgiving menu, and create a meal that’s all your own. Use what vegetables and herbs you have left in your garden and grow your own Thanksgiving this year.

Have you tried a cold frame yet? Cold frames are one of the most convenient and simple ways to protect the more sensitive plants around your home. Cold frames are a partially enclosed plastic encasing for plants and allow you to tend to the most vulnerable plants all winter long.

If you have dainty shrubs or fall flowers, protect them during the first few frosts by placing a cold frame around them. To this extent, you can protect your favorite shrubs and small bushes throughout the winter by placing a cold frame around them during the coldest months of the year. Have a raised bed

Cold Frame

? Don’t let it die during the winter. Instead, cold frame your raised bed and tend to it during the harshest months. Cold frames take the convenience of greenhouse gardening and make it even easier. Buy several and protect plants throughout your entire yard. Start your seedlings outdoors during early spring, and cover them with a cold frame to protect them during the last cold days of spring. Don’t start over every year. Instead, cold frame!

You’ve made the choice to invest in a garden shed – congratulations! Now keeping your garden tools, seeds, and equipment safe is easier than ever. The only choice you have to make (other than location of your shed) is what material you’d like your shed to be.

If you’ve decided to purchase your shed, you’ve likely narrowed it down to two choices: tin or plastic. Both materials provide a considerable amount of protection. Tin sheds are sturdy and durable, and are beautiful to look at. Plastic (usually vinyl) sheds are also very durable, and require little maintenance. Consider your budget, as tin sheds give a wonderful aesthetic, but are usually more expensive. Also, vinyl sheds don’t require any painting or refinishing, so if you live in an area where it will weather a lot of external elements, consider the amount of time you can spend maintaining your shed. No matter which material you choose, you are guaranteed to have a sturdy shed that will last you many years. Store all your outdoor gear with ease and convenience when you choose to invest in a garden shed.