January.

Winter storms like the one Mother Nature sent us this week can be challenging. After plowing the driveway and shoveling the walks, take some time to survey the landscape.

Heavy snow loads on evergreen branches can cause them to snap. Use a broom to carefully remove the collected snow. Always sweep with an upward motion to lift snow off.

If the branches are frozen and brittle, avoid disturbing them until a warmer day. Trees and shrubs that are encased with ice should be left alone. The winter sun will melt the ice eventually.

Snow cover on perennial borders and flower beds is very beneficial. The snow will act as an insulating blanket, protecting plant roots from a deep freeze. As the snow melts later on it will provide needed moisture to the soil.

Despite our precautions and protections of landscaped plants damage can be inevitable if snow and ice are heavy or compounded by strong winds. Damage may take the form of misshapen plants, broken limbs or split trunks.

Broken limbs and branches on trees and shrubs should be removed promptly. All pruning cuts should be clean without leaving stumps or jagged edges. Tree limbs should be cut back just to the branch collar. This is the thickened area where the limb joins the trunk.

Tree paints and sealers are no longer recommended for covering the wounds. Moisture under these applications may cause rotting and prohibit healing. Let the tree or shrub heal over naturally.

When dealing with large gaping trunk wounds, branches near power lines or large trees it is best to consult a tree service. Trees with trunk diameters greater than 6-8 inches or over 20 feet tall are best left to the experts.

Some storm-damaged trees may be beyond repair. If over 30-50 percent of the main branches or trunk are severely split or broken, extensive repair efforts are probably not worth it.

When spreading ice melters on walkways, be careful not to over do it. Heavy use of these products can cause browning on lawns and garden plantings. Cat litter, sand or a light sprinkling of fertilizer can be used alternatively.

Monitor your shrubs for deer damage, making sure the deer netting is still intact. With the deep snow cover wildlife may begin browsing on whatever is available.

Once the outside work is complete it's time to sit back and peruse all the garden catalogs arriving in the mailbox this month. Planning your garden for 2001 is much more fun and rewarding than coming up with new year's resolutions and trying to keep them!

Great gardens do not just happen. For the most part they are result of careful planning, a little work and favorable weather.

Take the time over the winter months to do some planning. Lay out garden plots and designs on graph paper or use one of the many garden design software packages that are available.

Garden catalogs and the many gardening websites are offering several new varieties of plants to try along with the standard favorites. Most of these catalogs and websites also provide excellent information on growing their selections as well as suggested planting combinations and recommended spacing.

It is very easy to get overly ambitious when planning your garden during the winter. Remember to select plants that are suited for our area, the soil type and the amount of light they will receive.

If you have limited time for yard work- perhaps you are a weekend gardener -select plants that are easy to grow. All America Selections (AAS) and Proven Winners (PV) would be good selections to try.

When buying from catalogs, send your orders promptly. Certain varieties of seeds and plants, especially new selections can be of limited supply. Many of the popular seed catalog companies offer their line through garden centers as well. Look for their displays in stores this month.

Consider starting a garden journal this year. Journals specifically for this purpose are available in bookstores or one can be made using a three ring binder.

In the journal record your garden layouts, new plantings and ideas. Records of rainfall and temperature can be kept. Successes and failures of certain plants recorded. Pocket inserts can be added to hold receipts and plant labels.

Many gardeners note when they complete certain garden tasks such as turning over the vegetable plot, pruning the fruit trees or planting the season's first peas. Recording when different plants come into bloom each season is also worthwhile.

A gardener's journal can become an invaluable resource through the years. Learning from our mistakes and building on the successes will help us all cultivate better gardens.

Beth Nardone, botanist, is a resident of Hillsborough and is the Nursery Manager at the Belle Mead Farmer's Coop. Questions and comments can be sent to bethtanical@hotmail.com