When the garden feels quiet and the trees are bare, winter might seem like a slow season outdoors, but it’s actually one of the best times to enjoy birds. With fewer leaves to hide them and natural food sources running low, backyard birds become easier to spot and more likely to visit feeders and landscapes that offer what they need.
Every January, we swear this is the year we’ll become that gardener, the one with perfect beds, thriving houseplants, and zero crispy leaves in sight. And every March, well…life happens.
So instead of big, impossible garden goals, let’s talk about plant resolutions that actually fit real life. The kind you can keep even when your schedule is packed and the weather isn’t cooperating.
Here are five smart, achievable ways to grow better in 2026 without burning out.
When winter arrives, your houseplants feel the change just as much as you do. The short days, cooler temperatures, and drier indoor air can all slow growth and stress plants that were thriving just weeks earlier. The good news? A few simple adjustments can help your houseplants not just survive winter, but stay happy and healthy until spring.
Below are practical, easy-to-follow tips to keep your indoor plants happy all season long:
There’s something special about walking up to a front porch framed with fresh-cut greens, the fragrance, the texture, and that cozy, welcoming feeling before you even open the door. At McDonald Garden Center, inspiration is everywhere, and our Green Team is always ready to help bring a porch vision to life. To get you started before stepping into the store, we’re sharing the fresh greens that work hardest (and look best) in porch pots, garlands, and containers.
Poinsettias are one of those holiday staples that instantly make a room feel festive. You bring one home, set it on the counter, and suddenly the whole space feels brighter. But keeping that color glowing through the season can feel a little intimidating if you’ve never cared for one before. The good news? Poinsettias are much easier than they seem once you know a few basics.
