Whether it's feeding the birds, or covering vulnerable plants, your garden needs protection even in the wintertime from harsh winds and heavy snows. Find out what you should be doing right now with our winter garden checklist.

Roses
Roses can be planted in early spring in the north and in January or February in the south (Zones 8-10). Learn about pruning, planting bare-root roses and designing a rose garden.

Don't fight 'em, invite 'em: Put out the "welcome" sign for wildlife
Are you wild about the birds, bats, butterflies, frogs and other creatures that may visit your garden? Make it a New Year's goal to have the National Wildlife Federation certify your yard as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Creating a habitat may be as easy as sowing some annual flowers and placing birdbaths and feeders around existing trees and shrubs. Shake off the winter doldrums by taking a winter walk and surveying your yard for these habitat essentials:

Take cover
Birds and smaller mammals such as squirrels seek out dense shrubbery and trees as a refuge from predators. Woodpeckers burrow into branches or dying trees in search of food; other birds, and insects, too, will nest or tunnel in the wood.