February does not lend itself to many gardening tips. Due to the unpredictability of the weather, even gardeners in the warmer locations are hesitant start on outside projects. Southern gardeners are quick to tell you that because today is warm and balmy is absolutely no guarantee that tomorrow you won’t wake up to a hard frost. February also marks the middle of the winter season, so take heart, spring is just around the corner.

Speaking of heart, February is also the month for celebrating Valentine’s Day. This year, think about a plant for a special someone. Talk to the local garden center or order from a reputable catalog. The choices are varied in size, price, and selection, so you are sure to find the perfect gift. Almost all nurseries have a program that ensures a delivery date at planting time. Whether you choose a rose bush, an ornamental shrub, or a flowering tree, the gift will be appreciated by your gardening friend.

A houseplant is also a thoughtful gift. With its heart shaped, silver marbled leaves and blossoms in shades of red, pink or white, the Cyclamen plant lends itself beautifully to the Valentine’s Day theme. The Cyclamen persicum is best known as the Florist’s Cyclamen and is readily available in fall and winter. The Cyclamen is a small plant; only about 8 inches tall when in full bloom. The small, sweet scented flowers are produced on long stems that stand tall above the foliage. If you decide to purchase a Cyclamen as a gift, be sure to include instruction for the care and feeding of the plant. The Cyclamen is a tuberous perennial and should be planted in a soil-based potting mix with the top of the tuber slightly above the soil line. Be sure the recipient is aware that the Cyclamen enters a dormancy period during the summer, and not to worry when the leaves begin to turn yellow and die as spring approaches.

The Cyclamen is actively growing when leaves are present, so using this as an indicator, water whenever the soil feels dry. Your plant will also appreciate being fed with a low-nitrogen fertilizer while in full leaf. Feeding every couple of weeks will provide adequate nourishment during the growing cycle. As the plant approaches the dormant stage, the flowers begin to fade and the leaves turn yellow and die. When this occurs, gradually withhold water and let the plant dry out for 2-3 months. This important step prevents the tuber from rotting due to excess water and ensures a healthy plant in the fall. Equally important is the location of the dormant Cyclamen. It is best kept indoors, in a cool, well ventilated location, away from bright lights. The dormant cycle is also a good time to repot in fresh soil and a larger planter. Typically the Cyclamen emerges from the dormant state and new growth appears in early September. That is the proper time to go back to feeding and watering the plant. Follow these simple guidelines and you will be rewarded with a repeat performance by this showy little plant.

Of course, the Cyclamen is not the only choice for a Valentine’s Day gift. An African violet, miniature Azalea, Begonia, Kalanchoe or several Gerbera daisies are all great indoor plants. The begonia is an upright flowering plant, easy to grow and thrives in bright, indirect light. They are prized for their sassy little flowers ranging from pink, red, white and yellow and signature, waxy green leaves. For a happy, healthy plant; feed monthly with a general purpose liquid fertilizer, water thoroughly, and don’t water again until the soil has dried out down about ½ inch from the surface, avoid getting the leaves wet and provide good drainage. Water left on the leaves can result in foliage burns when the plant is in direct sunlight. The roots should be damp, but not wet, so a rich, loose and fertile soil is essential for good drainage. Remove dead flowers, leaves and stems from the plant. To keep a compact shape, don’t hesitate to trim off long stems. With a minimum amount of care, the begonia plant will produce an abundance of blooms and waxy leaves.

The Kalanchoe is another easy to grow houseplant. Flowering Kalanchoes are available in many bloom colors ranging from red, pink, orange, and yellow to lilac and white. This succulent type flowering houseplant performs best when provided with strong, but filtered sunlight, by-monthly feeding and proper watering. Fast draining soil is a must for a healthy Kalanchoe. As a member of the succulent family, it should be watered thoroughly and then left to partially dry out before watering again. While the Kalanchoe blooms are long-lasting, don’t expect an encore performance. Although they can possibly be encouraged to bloom again, they are best treated as a temporary plant and discarded after the flowers fade.

Who can resist a Gerbera Daisy? Their vivid colors and large, long lasting flowers guarantee them as a welcome addition to your home. They prefer bright indirect or filtered light and moist soil. The Gerbera Daisy is usually considered an annual so, enjoy them until the last flowers are gone.

Gardening quiz: Do you know what the fastest growing hobby in the country is? If your answer was gardening, give yourself a pat on the back. Do you know what hobby comes in second? The answer to that question is bird watching. Backyard bird feeding is an easy way to appreciate and enjoy wildlife. If you haven’t already put up a bird feeder in your yard, it is not too late. Since natural food sources are not nearly as plentiful, winter is a challenging time for wild birds. Providing food and water is an easy way to bring nature closer to you and is a small effort that has big rewards. The lively antics of the cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches are sure to brighten the dreariest winter day.

This and That:

• Fertilize shrubs and evergreens in mid to late February.

• Tidy up the summer flowering shrubs, but use discretion when pruning. Spring bloomers have already produced their buds, so pruning now will decrease their spring output. Now is a good time to prune any dead, damaged or broken and decaying branches.

• It is not too late to transplant deciduous trees and shrubs as they are still in their dormant stage.

• Prune fruit trees.

• Fertilize tulips as soon as foliage appears.

• Get your gardening tools and mower in tip top shape. Spring is just around the corner.