Though yards and gardens have been put to bed, there are still outdoor tasks to consider and holiday gardening gifts to give. Consider these ideas.

• Use deicing compounds sparingly to avoid salt damage to landscape plants.
• If natural precipitation is sparse and the ground is not frozen, water evergreen trees and shrubs to ensure they are well hydrated heading into winter.
  
• Purchase poinsettias to brighten your home. Learn how to care for them and keep them alive beyond the holidays.
  
• Spruce up you holiday decorating with a wide variety of holiday plants. They offer color and texture to décor.
  
• Learn about Christmas tree selection and care.
  
• Shop for your gardener. Great holiday gifts include: books, pruners, gift certificates, gloves, a living wreath, pottery, and yard ornaments.
  
• Sign up to become a member of the USU-sponsored Botanical Gardens and receive discounts on classes and workshops, along with other benefits. Or, consider giving a gardening membership as a gift!

By: JayDee Gunnell, Utah State University Extension horticulturist, JayDee.Gunnell@usu.edu