Don't cut class: Practice pruning on junipers

I used to tell novice pruners to practice on junipers, because I saw them as basically indestructible. That was before I saw the aftermath of my neighbor's practice session. Now I recommend that novice pruners take a PlantAmnesty class first. When planting, it's best to choose a variety that will grow to the appropriate size and shape for the space. But since this advice usually goes unheeded, regular pruning is usually required to keep some plants in bounds. Avoid shearing juniper. Over time it makes the outside foliage so thick that it shades out the inside of the plant, leaving it a shell. Instead, if your juniper is getting too big, cut last season's growth back to side shoots further down on the branch. Then thin out up to a third of the branches by cutting to the branch of origin. Thinning in this way will leave holes, but it will allow air and light to penetrate to promote inner growth. This pruning method also is aesthetically appealing because it enhances the natural, layered appearance of the shrub. Even after a pruning class, still practice on a juniper before tackling your valuable Japanese maple.

Build a wall the old-fashioned way.

If you want to build a raised garden or need to terrace your garden, add rustic elegance by building a dry stone wall. Stone walls are spectacularly beautiful yet are relatively easy to build. Begin by visiting your local stone vendor to get advice on the best kind of stone to use, as well as to gather construction tips. Then dig a trench and fill it at least 3 inches deep with crushed gravel to create a level, well-drained foundation for the stones. To make the wall sturdy and long-lasting, use the biggest and thickest rocks at the base, although mixing an occasional big one farther up in the wall adds interest. Order a lot of stone for the project and save the most regular and attractive ones for the top layer. No matter how many stones you have to work with, it becomes increasingly difficult to find the perfect stone to fit the puzzle as you near completion. Consider hiring out the job if you're a perfectionist. If you take two stones off for every three you put down, this could end up a very time-consuming, Sisyphean task.

Protect plants from freezing weather.

Don't wait until freezing weather is forecast to prepare freeze-protection methods for your semi-hardy plants. The easiest way to protect tender plants is to cover them with a sheet or mattress cover.

Don't use clear plastic. If it's sunny out, it will fry the plant, even on a freezing cold day.

Pound in a framework of stakes around your plants, making sure the stakes are tall enough and angled to prevent the cover from collapsing and crushing the plant if there's heavy snow. Keep in mind that covering a plant increases the air temperature only by about four degrees.

If you're trying to protect something quite tender, consider decorating the plant with heat producing, non-LED holiday lights. The lights not only add holiday cheer, but also produce heat to help protect your plant. In the event of a hard freeze, leave the lights on when you cover the plant. The lights will keep it much warmer under the cover. Just make sure you don't let the cover touch the lights, and don't forget to take the cover off as soon as the freeze is over.

The lights aren't quite as cheery when draped around a dead plant.