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Winter advice for Pacific Northwest gardeners from expert Marianne Binetti

Stories by The Olympian journalists, with AI summarization

This list of curated articles highlights Marianne Binetti's practical gardening tips for winter in the Pacific Northwest. Binetti advises on plant care, pruning, and issues with common houseplants.

She stresses the importance of moving plants like hydrangeas or hostas to better spots if they're failing to thrive. Binetti provides insight into how to handle sensitive houseplants like the weeping Ficus. For African Violets, she shares a tip involving boiling water from eggs to enhance blooming. On pruning, Binetti notes the importance of considering the type of plant and seasonal sap flow.

Many new trees — 5 years old or younger with trunks 2 inches or less in diameter — can survive and thrive on 10 gallons of water a week. By Halyna Bobyk

NO. 1: HOW TO TURN HOUSEPLANTS INTO A HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE AND CARE FOR POINSETTIAS

The second week of December is a good time to check any dahlia or canna tubers you have stored in the garage for overwintering. | Published December 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marianne Binetti

Getting the best light for houseplants newly moved indoors is crucial to maintaining their shape and color. By Markis Hill

NO. 2: GARDENING EXPERT MARIANNE BINETTI’S ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT HOUSEPLANTS

The end of December is when the long nights have gardeners looking more at indoor plants. | Published December 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marianne Binetti

This image shows a volunteer removing weeds at the Pierce Conservation District for a nature maintenance event in 2023.

NO. 3: MARIANNE BINETTI’S GARDENING RESOLUTIONS FOR 2026 TO ENJOY YOUR PLANTS

The start of the New Year means there are some garden resolutions to consider. | Published January 3, 2026 | Read Full Story by Marianne Binetti

Weeping fig, a lush, small-leafed ficus tree, is a popular plant for indoor growing. By Joe Johnston

NO. 4: WHAT HOUSEPLANT CAUSES THE MOST COMPLAINTS FROM READERS? MARIANNE BINETTI SHARES

The second week of January means your Christmas tree is packed away, the lights are stored and the mantel cleared. | Published January 10, 2026 | Read Full Story by Marianne Binetti

Star magnolias should be pruned after blooming. This usually means late April.

NO. 5: WHAT PLANTS SHOULD YOU PRUNE IN WINTER? HERE’S MARIANNE BINETTI’S ADVICE

The beginning of February means it is time to consider the big hack job or to simply get snippy with some of your trees, shrubs and perennials. | Published January 31, 2026 | Read Full Story by Marianne Binetti

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.