Southern winters are unpredictable and full of surprises. Temperatures may change drastically within a few hours. An early morning hard freeze may layer the lawn yet six hours later temperatures have risen some 30 degrees. As a result, many of our plants seem to live in a state of confusion.

The sunny, warm days we are blessed with in January — in between rainy and/or cold, windy days — are ideal for gardening in the Miss-Lou. The warm spells of late have sparked a bit of early spring fever in me. I have been thinking about my garden non-stop. I even dream about gardening. Thankfully, in the Miss-Lou we can enjoy gardening every month.

Flexibility is important for southern gardeners in many ways. Taking advantage of mild temperatures during winter is the perfect time to get some early spring gardening projects underway. Preparing the soil for new flower beds and amending existing beds now will help to ready your landscape for early spring planting.

Evergreen groundcovers are an important aspect of the southern garden, especially in the shade of large trees where little else will grow. Dividing strawberry geranium (Saxifraga stolinefera) early this month will still give these wonderful plants enough time to root in and grow before their beautiful cloud of dainty white flowers form in late winter. Strawberry geranium is striking in the shade garden and combines beautifully with other groundcovers. This fabulous evergreen groundcover has round bluish-green foliage highlighted with silvery-white veins and reddish undersides, and puts on quite a growth spurt this time of year.

When planted underneath shrubs and trees, strawberry geranium becomes an attractive evergreen mulch. A large pot of nandina edged with strawberry geranium is an easy to grow evergreen combination.

The dark green and purplish foliage of ajuga (bugleweed) is especially striking next to strawberry geranium foliage. ‘Catlin’s Giant’ is my favorite. I love the huge evergreen foliage and large blue flowers in spring.

Violets, lamiastrum and dwarf mondo grass are other choice low growing perennials for shade. Set these plants out in drifts and enjoy the special effects they create in lower light areas of the garden throughout the year.

Speaking of strawberries, did you know that there are strawberry plants grown mostly for their showy flowers and groundcover quality?

‘Lipstick’ is the most popular ornamental strawberry cultivar. The large rose-red flowers and bright green leaves are lovely and if that’s not enough, the plants produce edible berries too, although not as flavorful and delicious as those grown for food crops. ‘Lipstick’ is also ideal for containers and adds a special touch to herb gardens.

Many exciting things are happening outdoors right now. Note the evergreen, or perhaps more correctly “ever-silver,” foliage of the perennial dianthus. The plants are illuminating, especially during the wintriest days.

All of the groundcovers I’ve mentioned are easy to grow and multiply readily. Folks who claim to have the brownest of thumbs can cultivate these with ease. Check with your neighbors—they may have some divisions to share with you.

Get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. After all, mild winters are one of the greatest treasures of Miss-Lou living.

Traci Maier writes a weekly column about gardening in the Miss-Lou. She can be reached by e-mail at ratmaier@bellsouth.net.