Lots to do in February despite the cold, ice and snow

Some years February feels like late winter; other years it's more like early spring. What this month will offer gardeners who are longing to work outdoors is anyone's guess, but the odds of ice and snow are probably higher than of sun and dry, workable soil.

Fortunately, there are plenty of projects this month that will remind us of the inevitable change of season. There are trees and shrubs to prune, nursery catalogs to study, and seeds of cool-season annuals to buy and start indoors.

February is a good month to treat yourself to fresh flowers. The color and fragrance of even a single stem will keep you connected to the special pleasures gardens provide.

For your home and landscape in February:

Trees and shrubs

• Let ice-covered tree branches melt naturally. Using heavy or sharp objects like shovels risks damaging bark and creating entry points for diseases or insects.

• Reduce heavy snow load on evergreens by gently sweeping boughs with a broom and then elevating branches from underneath.

• Take advantage of thaw to rinse salt spray off the stems and leaves of woody plants, especially those that are salt sensitive.

• Large ornamental trees and shrubs can be pruned this month, weather permitting. If weather is unusually warm, avoid pruning trees that "bleed," or discharge large amounts of water. Trees such as elms, maples and birches should be pruned only when weather is quite cold or in the summer.

• Fruit trees are best pruned in late February or March.

• Preserve the largest number of flowers by pruning spring-flowering woody plants immediately after they have finished blooming.

• Prune damaged or broken limbs immediately.

Flowering plants

• Early bulbs such as snowdrop, winter aconite and glory-of-the-snow might bloom this month.

• During periods of unseasonably warm weather, spring-flowering bulbs that usually bloom later might sprout prematurely, especially if they are planted with a southern exposure, or close to a house or garage. Subsequent cold weather might damage edges of the foliage. But unless the flower bud has appeared, it will not affect future flowering or health of the bulb.

• Check garden beds to be sure plants have not heaved out of the ground. Gently press the crowns of perennials back into the ground but avoid compacting soil by stomping heavily around plants.

Valentine's Day cut flower care

• Keep cut flowers fresh by placing them in room-temperature water as soon as possible.

• With a sharp knife or pruners, remove 1 inch from each stem with an angled cut. Cutting on an angle increases the surface area for water intake.

• Remove all foliage below water level to keep water fresh.

• Use floral preservative to extend the length of time flowers look fresh. Floral preservatives contain an acid to neutralize alkaline tap water, carbohydrates for nutrition, and ingredients to discourage bacteria.

• Cut flowers prefer a cool, humid environment that is out of bright light and away from heating vents. Check water levels and mist the arrangement daily.

• If roses suddenly develop drooping heads, the cause could be air bubbles trapped in their stems. Float the affected stems in a sink full of warm water. Trim another inch on an angle cut and submerge the cut end for at least one-half hour. When the flower heads return to a straightened position, place each stem back in the vase.

Indoor plants

• Monitor indoor plants for signs of disease and insect problems. Isolate affected plants and treat once the problem is accurately identified.

• Provide care for amaryllis after they finish blooming. Allow stems to wither before cutting them off the bulb. Keep the pot in a bright, warm spot, out of direct sun, and water as needed. Leaves will continue to grow. When all danger of frost has passed, move the pot outdoors and place in a location protected from afternoon sun. Fertilize the bulb ever other week with a liquid 10-10-10 mix to fuel next season's bloom.

• Start seeds for spring- or summer-blooming annuals, vegetables and perennials. Follow directions on individual packets to determine whether seeds need bottom heat, light or darkness to germinate. Some seeds might require a short period of chilling before being sown.

Denise Corkery is a horticultural writer at the Chicago Botanic Garden.