Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts have been given a number of December tips to help get the most out of their green space over the next 12 months.
According to the Celina Record, salvias, Mexican bush sage, cigar plants and other frozen perennials should be cut back to around four or five inches from the earth before adding a layer of mulch.
Those who make their own compost should continue adding fallen leaves to help supply nutritious organic material.
The pile should also be kept moist through watering if the rain stays away or cannot get to the compost.
Many gardeners will trim some of their plants to make festive decorations such as wreaths and garlands, but the newspaper suggests that any pruning should be done evenly to avoid upsetting the shape of the plant in question.
While the home is often more appealing during the colder months, it is important that the heating does not dehydrate indoor plants.
In other news, akron.com has listed a further range of winter gardening tips, including that it is a good idea to apply up to four inches of compost or mulch once a few frosts have hit the ground.