Plant loss in the winter is more commonly caused by a lack of water than by cold temperatures. If properly cared for, cold-hardy plants can make it through the coldest Denton weather. Plants may be native to this area, or incredibly adaptable, but they just can?t live without water.

This winter might be wetter than last year. In the event, however, that the rains aren?t quite what we expect, you?re looking at doing a bit of supplemental watering over the winter.

Even dormant plants need moisture to keep up the physiological and biochemical changes that make them able to handle the cold. The rule of thumb is to water thoroughly once every two to three weeks through the fall and winter months. Of course, if there?s a good rain, count it as a watering. When you have to water by sprinkler, make it brief to prevent wasteful run-off ? 15 or 20 minutes. About early February, resume your regular watering schedule.

It may look like nothing is really happening in the landscape. However, plants are busy producing high concentrations of dissolved sugars, amino acids and other soluble organic molecules to stay resilient during freezing temperatures ? almost all in the plant?s roots. A high concentration of chemically-bound water is essential for these processes to occur. This may seem unnecessarily detailed and scientific, but all we really need to know is that regular watering in winter is one way to ensure that roots won?t dry out.

For those of us who have planted young plants or bulbs this fall or in past years, it is essential that we keep them watered when the fall and winter weather is dry. This is when the root growth occurs. Prolonged dryness from fall through late winter will result in problems of slow growth and a poor showing of flowers the following spring. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch helps immensely, acting like insulation. (I just use brown shredded leaves, which are, of course, free.)

Don?t despair, though. They are problems that are easily solved. Just remember that your landscape is a living thing year-round. If we get regular, soaking rains this winter ? great. If not, give your garden a touch of extra care in the form of water, and come springtime, it will reward you with healthy, strong and growing plants.

Owen Yost is an area Landscape Architect specializing in designing low-maintenance landscapes incorporating native plants with hardscape such as decking, fences, terraces, walkways, walls etc. He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Keep Denton Beautiful and the Native Plant Society of Texas. His Denton office is at 4516 Coyote Point; call 940.382-2099 or 383-9655. E-mail, Yost87@charter.net