Take advantage of warmer days to plant bulbs and note what’s in bloom during this otherwise cold, dark season.
by Helen Yoest | Photograph by Liz Condo

The sun is low on most January days, but my hopes are high. When I walk the garden during the winter, I find solace in nature. As I look at the trees, void of foliage, they show me structure and strength. They make me feel stronger with every step I take. The Raleigh area is fortunate in that we can garden year round. Maybe not every day in January, but enough to witness the days getting longer and find joy. Resist the temptation to stay indoors all month and give these things a try. 

Plant Spring Bulbs 

Did you know spring-flowering bulbs can still be planted? As long as the ground isn’t frozen, take advantage of after-holiday bulb sales. Tulips, daffodils and crocus should be planted at twice the depth of the bulb size. 

Keep the Amaryllis 

If you received a surplus of amaryllis as gifts, save them to plant in the garden. Keep the amaryllis in the pot, cut the stalk and place it in a cool, dry place (no need to water) until after the final threat of frost, usually around April 15. Note: unfortunately, this doesn’t apply to those lovely novelty waxed ones because they lack nutrients from soil to regenerate. 

Take Note of Winter Blooms 

January is still a great time to plant trees and shrubs. If you’re unsure of what will survive and provide colorful winter blooms, take a visit to the JC Raulston Arboretum’s Winter Garden. There, you can be inspired by their variety of plants, such as red-stemmed dogwood, yews and flowering apricots. For the birds, note the deciduous winterberry hollies.  

This article originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of WALTER magazine.