Next to Spring, Winter is my favorite gardening time. It is certainly easier, the results rewarding, and can be done from a comfortable chair by the fireside. Of course, I'm talking about perusing all the many gardening catalogues that have already begun to appear in my mailbox.

Experienced gardeners already know how great this type of gardening is, and for those of you beginners, now is the time to pick up a gardening magazine and check out all the ads for seed catalogues, then get on their mailing list. In a few weeks you, too, can begin to plan your perfect garden by avidly reading these catalogues, enjoying the beautiful pictures, and start making lists of all the seeds, perennials, shrubbery, trees and vines you would like to have growing in your own private "paradise."

Decisions as to what to order will be difficult--most gardeners want to order too many of the items offered, but after going through all the catalogues a number of times, and gradually paring down your lists based on your budget, time to garden, and the space for it, you eventually are able to make choices, and then can place your orders. It is always a good idea to order fairly early in the season, so that if you want some of the newer offerings you will not be disappointed should they have already been sold out.

There are so many new offerings each year that it is often quite difficult to make a decision as to what to order, but it is always fun to try something new each year. You may be disappointed with the results, but then again, you may be pleasantly surprised. Awaiting to see how something new in the garden turns out is one of the joys or frustrations of gardening.

The one thing that is apparent when browsing all catalogues is that the cost of seeds and plants has increased appreciably, so purchasing a variety can soon run into money--real money! You can control the cost by sharing packets of seeds with other gardening friends, since most seed packets will give you more plants than you probably need. If you belong to a garden club or some other group interested in gardening, it is fun to have members bring seed catalogues during winter months and let them jointly order--one person may want one variety of seed while you prefer another, but with each person splitting a packet of seeds and sharing, you get the benefit of trying both varieties. Also, some catalogues offer smaller packets of seed at lower prices. Another suggestion for gardeners who have the facilities is to start flats of plants, and when seedlings are large enough, trade some of yours with other gardeners who are starting plants.

Keep in mind, however, when ordering seeds, perennials, shrubbery, trees, vines, etc. from mail order sources that it usually is more costly than purchasing from your local nursery because of shipping costs. Also, plants purchased locally may be ones more tolerant of our growing conditions. You want to keep your local nurseries in business because they can be very helpful when you have questions regarding growing.

One word of caution--and this applies to experienced gardeners as well as novice gardeners--do not go to your local nursery or discount center where plants are being displayed, usually around the first of March, and purchase plants that are not frost tolerant--such as tomatoes, peppers, begonias, impatiens, plus many others, and plant outside. We are all tempted on the first beautiful, warm, sunshiny day as early as mid-February, to rush out and buy some of these plants--but Mother Nature will soon let you know that it is much too early in the season for your green thumb to sprout! Actually, except for some of the cole crops--such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc., as well as Irish potatoes and onion sets--the 1st through 15th of May is about the time weather conditions have stabilized and the soil has warmed enough to plant many vegetables and flowers that have already been started and are available from local sources.