Gardening outdoors from December through March in the northern parts of the country slow up dramatically, except for working in the greenhouse and indoors, gardening must be of the armchair variety. But all may indulge in gardening by visiting online sites and reading of others adventures along with studying seed and nursery catalogs.

Poring over catalogs - A beginner (and an old hand, too) can learn a lot by studying various catalogs. He will quickly learn, though, that all the seeds and plants that he wants to grow cannot be supplied by one dealer. Therefore, his best bet is to acquaint himself with all the specialists and then send for catalogs and lists of those growers who offer the plants he wants to grow in his garden.

Some nurseries specialize in one or more groups of plants such as irises, gladioli, roses, lilies and lilacs. Seedsmen supply flower and vegetable seeds and usually- bulbs. Some seedsmen issue two catalogs a year: one, arriving in summer, listing hardy spring-flowering bulbs; and another, arriving in winter, listing seeds and tender summer-flowering bulbs. Some of these catalogs may also contain a limited list of trees and shrubs and possibly some fruits.

Experienced gardeners may want to grow unusual plants, those not commonly available but mentioned every so often in garden magazines. For sources of the more unusual species these enthusiasts will either have to become old sleuths for the needed information. The first method is more fun, however.

Mulching the flower beds - Don’t be in too much of a hurry to cover the flower borders. In much of the Northeast, especially in Maryland, Delaware and southern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the ground is not yet frozen. If the covering is put on too early, mice may make their headquarters there.

Building a rock garden - So far I have not suggested any real work for those of you who are of the rugged outdoor type. So how about making a rock garden? If you are contemplating building one, you could get a good start now. Most likely there will be enough open winter. Don’t attempt to make a replica of the Matterhorn.