A SPECIAL REPORT: WINTER YARDWORK

Warm Beds

In other parts of the country, the ground is dusted with snow. But in the Valley, late autumn and early winter are good times for planting, said Rich Melendez of Sperling Nursery in Calabasas. Pansies, snapdragons and stock will be perfectly happy--and colorful--in flower beds until about May, he said.

Sod Savers

Most people lay down sod in summer, but winter’s cooler temperatures are less stressful to new grass, said Beth Leary, office manager at Valley Sod Farm. “It’s a little nicer doing it now because you don’t have to water as much,” she said. The company grows some of its sod around the airstrip at Van Nuys Airport.

Rose Shock

Gaspar also warns against buying bare-root roses now, even if some stores have them in stock. It hasn’t been cold enough for rosebushes to be fully dormant, she said, and they will be in shock from having been dug up too soon. Kept indoors--where warmer air mimics spring--buds can also open too early.