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Proctor's Garden: When weather turns cold focus on indoor projects

When it's gray outside, indoor color becomes even more important to our states of mind. Pumpkins, gourds and seasonal potted plants such as mums and crossandra can be quickly turned into a festive display in just minutes.

DENVER — When work in the garden gets put on hold--and there's still plenty to do--concentrate on indoor projects.

Remember those cuttings we took in September? If all went according to plan, those cuttings of coleus, geraniums. bloodleaf and oxalis should have sent out roots in their windowsill jars. It may be a bit early to pot them up now. Keep the jars filled with water. In the depths of winter, we'll be growing next summer's garden.

Plants that you saved from frost should be faring well. The point is to get them through winter in a healthy state. Don't over-stimulate them. Too much fertilizer during the shorter days of winter and with less intense sunlight will result in tall, thin, straggly growth. I rarely fertilize in winter.

When it's gray outside, indoor color becomes even more important to our states of mind. Pumpkins, gourds and seasonal potted plants such as mums and crossandra can be quickly turned into a festive display in just minutes. Use baskets or platters to display them throughout your house. We used a chip 'n dip platter as the base for a quick but effective autumnal arrangement. In the dining room, a large round basket holds mums, crossandra and pumpkins, while pie pumpkins and gourds decorate the mantle.

Gray days can be easily ignored with bright autumnal displays of nature's bounty.

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