Fall/Winter Lawn and Garden 2009

The backyard is a source of amazing adventures for kids, which makes it ideal for creating a garden as a family. According to the National Gardening Association (NGA), a national nonprofit leader in plant-based education, 55 percent of U.S. households believe gardening activities should be implemented whenever possible. "It plants the seed for kids' future interests," said Joe Lamp'l, host of diynetwork.com's gardening videos and a gardener for over 30 years. He should know -- he has had a passion for gardening since childhood.

Around the turn of the 20th century, James Whitcomb Riley wrote a picturesque poem called "When the Frost is on the Punkin," which celebrates the late days of autumn and the change of seasons. Nowadays, gardeners are also finding ways to enjoy the seasons by growing vegetables and other plants well into the frosty days of autumn and even the snowy days of winter -- something you can do as well.

As the weather turns colder and the days grow shorter, lawns become dormant and the mower hibernates for the winter. Gardens also notice the change of the seasons, with many plants unable to withstand the loss of light, not to mention frozen soil and blanketing snow. Gardeners who love to spend time in the sun sitting in the soil are driven inside, deprived of their connection with nature.

Most of us associate backyard decks with warm weather fun, but many people relax on them during the fall and winter months, too. "We're finding that more people are using their decks in colder weather," said Paul Mackie, a field representative for the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA). "Some people barbeque outside all year long, and more are using gas-powered heaters to extend the time they can enjoy the deck."

When the leaves begin to turn and the summer flowers begin to fade, it's just another season that blossoms into a bountiful supply of endless outdoor inspiration for P. Allen Smith. As one of America's premier garden and lifestyle designers, Allen's mission is "to help people create beautiful living spaces that blur the lines between the indoors and the outdoors."

Imagine homegrown veggies gracing your table year round. Your family can enjoy the flavor and nutrition of fresh produce and your pocketbook can certainly enjoy the savings. The winter months are generally a time when people tend to stay indoors and since the days are shorter, no one seems to get enough exposure to sunlight and fresh air. Winter vegetables keep your body healthy by replenishing many of the nutrients and vitamins needed to stave off disease and replenish our systems.

If your rake is missing more than a few teeth, the handle on your rusted plant shovel is wobbly and your pruner -- well, let's just say it has seen better days, it may be time to buy some new garden tools. You don't have to ante up a small fortune to get a well-made shovel, hedge trimmer, gloves or the litany of other tools that the experts consider basic equipment for the home gardener. What you do need, they say, are tools that incorporate quality construction and workmanship.

The beautiful array of reds, purples and oranges from ornamental berries found in the cooler seasons are worth anticipating and enjoying. Juicy, plump and tasty in the spring and summer, it may come as a surprise to find them just as delightful in the fall and winter, but in different ways.

Building a greenhouse sounds simple enough, and it is for someone who thinks it can be made from a pile of lumber and thin plastic sheeting. But will it withstand autumn's chill or that first heavy snow? Probably not, the experts say. If you really want to enjoy growing fruits, veggies and flowers year-round, you'll need a greenhouse that's more substantial, whether it's from a kit or custom-made. Choosing the type of greenhouse that will meet your needs is no simple matter, though.

There may be nothing new under the sun, but that isn't exactly accurate when it comes to plants. Every new variety of shrub, tree, annual, fruit and vegetable is a new plant -- each highly anticipated and long awaited by gardeners.

Houseplants face a tough challenge in fall and winter, as most of them are of tropical origin and need heat and humidity. Here are some tips to help them stay healthy.

Winter gardens don't have to be drab and colorless. Berry shrubs not only are a feast for your eyes, but a treat for hungry birds and other animals.

Your deck takes a beating from the natural elements year round, but following these tips will help keep it as good as new so you can enjoy it for years to come.