YOUR GARDEN GUY: Pale pink, medium blue hot colors for 2016

The hottest colors this year are Pantone's Rose Quartz (pale pink) and Serenity (medium blue). These are the new Pantone colors for 2016!

Seeking a new look in the winter garden? Try parsley! This cold-hardy herb complements plantings of pansies beautifully, and it adds an interesting foliage texture to the garden. Plant it in full sun. Spring bonus: Butterfly larvae love parsley.

January is the month to start a garden journal.

Plant seeds of annual poppies this month for a colorful flower show in spring.

Bare root roses are arriving at nurseries now. Before planting, soak the roots in a pail of water over night. Plant at the recommended depth.

Transplant trees and shrubs this month. The cooler, wetter weather improves survival rates. Get as much of the root as possible for transplanting. Studies now show that amending the soil in the holes of transplants is a waste of time and money.

Mulch around plants with pine straw or mini pine bark mulch. Mulch helps protect plants from the cold, and it conserves moisture.

Cut back ornamental grasses, such as Muhly grass, this month.

Todd Goulding provides residential landscape design consultations. Contact him at www.fernvalley.com or 478-345-0719.

This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 9:29 PM with the headline "YOUR GARDEN GUY: Pale pink, medium blue hot colors for 2016 ."