This is the time of year when traditions reign. Every family has their own and at our home, without fail and barring bad weather, I photograph our garden especially noting what is blooming on Christmas Day each year. If we are out of town I do this on New Year's Day. I'll cheat a bit and take photos early this year so I can still get the article in on time.

Chilly nights, shorter days and lots of moisture can be a great combination for establishing or moving woody shrubs and trees. Planning is always a good idea when the weather is too cold to work outside, and a drawing or picture of the property is helpful.

So you think you’ve got a black thumb – that you kill any plant you try to grow. We get lots of really desperate questions from gardeners at the Master Gardener booth during the warm months at the Farmers Market in Port Royal, but those questioners aren’t the real Black Thumb brigade.