I call February the month of anticipation. Although the days are not yet getting any warmer, they are slowly getting longer. Many of us are still living in icy cold weather, and some of us are still covered with snow. But we are all anticipating warmer days, signs of spring and brighter skies.

Despite the cold weather, now is certainly not the time to rest from the garden. One job that keeps me outside in the winter is trimming and pruning plants. Not all plants are pruned in the winter but for many, pruning while they are dormant is a must to deliver beauty in the warmer months. Fruit trees, especially apples and pears, as well as many roses must be pruned while dormant. Buddleia and some clematis are also on the winter prune list.