By Nancy Chennault • Make this the year you pledge to “make over” the unruly Japanese Maple. Its appearance will dramatically improve and so will its health.

STORY & PHOTO BY NANCY CHENNAULT • Hopefully you have lived with your clematis long enough to know when it blooms. This knowledge is of ultimate importance and the pruning steps you take are dependent upon that information. If you can’t remember when it blooms, but know the variety of clematis, enter that name into any Internet search engine and find specific bloom times for each cultivar. With no name and no history of bloom time, the options would be to (1) Wait for heavy pruning until next year, (observing the bloom cycle in 2012); or (2) Cut the vines back to 18-24 inches and then document the bloom time for future reference.

As Christmas week unfolds, dear readers; slow down, take a deep breath and make time to enjoy the wonderful opportunities that are outside your doorstep or inside your home. . .

In a pinch? Don't panic. Four of Columbia River Reader's most popular columnists offer last-minute tips. Just pick the interest area that best fits . . .

Colorful catalog and online photos are adequate for showing some color tones, but there is nothing like viewing the flowers in person to know the true characteristics of plants. We developed The Gardens @ Sandy Bend to display new and familiar plants in a garden setting. . Each spring, national and international plant breeders and propagators ship samples of new introductions to the gardens. These become available to nurseries and garden centers the following spring. The summer of 2011 showcased the new plants for 2012.

For many, the Christmas decorating has begun, possibly even is completed . . . You may decorate just for yourself, or for the entire town to view. There are many inspirations to choose from, and yours just might be the spark in someone else’s season.

One thing seems certain. Eurasian collared doves are here to stay. And, they appear to be increasing in numbers. If you haven’t seen any yet, you probably will soon. When you spot a pair of attractive, tan-colored, pigeon-like birds at your backyard feeder, they’ll most likely be Eurasian collared doves.

Pacific Northwest gardeners often approach autumn gardening projects with a sense of urgency. We want to “clean up” decaying annual flowers, untidy shrubs and thickets of perennials before the cold rains of winter dampen our enthusiasm. Before you clear out everything in sight, pause long enough to identify the different types of plants. A moderate approach to projects that address particular needs will ensure a successful winter slumber.

With your yard made bird-friendly, cozy into your easy chair with a cup of hot coffee or a coffee nudge, look out the window into your yard and up into the sky to see what birds are visiting or passing by. Watch the migratory change from summer to winter. With summer-loving swallows, flycatchers and grosbeaks gone, the winter-tough juncos, chickadees and varied thrushes settle in.

A perfect time to make improvements to your soil, for the best results next summer, is in the fall. The gardener benefits as well. The cooler temperatures of autumn are refreshing and even a cloudy day can be a great day when you are working in your garden. You will determine which of the various types of mulch will suit the needs of your garden and your soil.