What to do in the garden in February

Outside the window, just past the lawn, the garden is waiting. It's quiet and inconspicuous, but make no mistake: It's biding its time. Gardens are patient like that. When their time in the spotlight fades, they take their place, without argument, and wait out winter until it's safe to come out again. We don't have that luxury. When the weather cooperates, there are things to do outside to ensure the next show is as good, or better, than the last. And when the weather doesn't cooperate, there are things to tend indoors. If we pay close attention, we might notice the first signs of the gradual reawakening as tiny buds appear on trees and snowdrops dot the landscape. Unlike the garden, a good gardener never sleeps. But we can pace ourselves. Here's one tip or chore for every day of February.

1. Cut back last year's hellebore foliage; more is on the way.

2. It's Groundhog Day! If the little rodent sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter _ and if he doesn't spring will arrive in six weeks!