Perennials: Ornamental grasses, especially native varieties, fit harmoniously into almost any planting plan. Their interest derives from translucence, line, form, texture and scale — all the elements that contribute to excellent design. Look around at existing grass plantings and decide where in your landscape they might fit. Some are invasive, but most natives are not.

Flowers: Think about growing flowers for drying next year. A dried flower arrangement or wreath made now will keep at least a year. Good choices include achilleas, pearly everlasting (Anaphalis), lavender and many grasses and seedheads.

Vegetables and fruits: Late blight on tomatoes is still the main topic of conversation among gardeners. The blight does not winter over in the soil but does remain in any potato tubers left in the ground. Make sure to rotate both crops next year.

Trees and shrubs: A live Christmas tree should only be kept indoors for a week to 10 days, then moved to a shady cool area until it can be placed in its (hopefully) pre-dug hole and watered well all winter. A cut Christmas tree should have its trunk recut an inch or so before placing in a bucket of water for a day or two, then sprayed with an antidessicant before bringing in for decorating. A cut tree can absorb a quart of water a day so keep the stand container full.

Lawns: Make sure the lawn is cleared of wet leaves. Dig up any lingering crabgrass or dandelion plants unless the ground is frozen.

Houseplants: Fresh new plants, including festive holiday plants, make a welcome gift to receive or give. Before selecting plants, determine the light intensity where the plant will be grown. Or give a grow-light along with the plant.

General: Make sure the driveway is marked with stakes to guide the snow plow. Stock up on materials for icy walkways. Salt is very toxic to grass and flowers. Sand, kitty litter and sawdust are safe substitutes.

Susan Henry