Well, sort of. If you have ornamental grasses, juniper, arborvitae and other similar plants in your garden they can provide you with a Wisconsin winter garden, especially if you don’t cut back the ornamental grasses until spring.

There are things to do in December for your garden and your enjoyment. Begin by making winter arrangements from red twig dogwood, juniper and herbs still in the ground. Terra cotta or ceramic pots the deck or even place them in your garden. You can also cut ornamental grasses and bring them indoors for arrangements.

This is the time to put up tree and scrub protection from animals. Plastic coated fencing that is at least 4’ high should be used around trees and shrubs. The height is needed to protect trees and shrubs from deer. Hardware cloth with ¼ inch holes can be used to protect against rabbits. Make sure whatever you use do not place it against the plant because it can cause damage. Many in Wisconsin have used burlap to cover plants. This is not recommended because it suffocates the plant. Use burlap only for a wind barrier and set it up like fencing.

December is a good time to prune trees and shrubs. It is often easier to prune trees in the winter because without leaves the branches are easier to get at and you will immediately see the result of your pruning.

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