For some, the 2007 garden-planting season is over. After the winter cabin fever they rushed out and got it done. Spring is king. If that describes you, you may read on but it isn't really necessary.

On the other extreme are those of us who will sneak a plant into the garden whenever somebody is not looking. For that matter, they will do it even more gleefully if somebody is looking.

A few will even think about the plant they want and consider whether it has any special needs and pick the planting time to match. Today we will elaborate on this and the last paragraph.

Most ornamental grasses like the soil hot. Early spring or late fall transplanting is not to their liking. For best results, most grasses should be planted between late May and early August.

As an example, a number of years ago I planted a warm season grass in late April and an identical pot-mate late in June. By the end of the summer the June plant was larger and happier than the early planted one.

Another concern is as we see cultivars and selections of some of the traditionally southern shrubs being adapted to our location, we must pay attention to their needs. I am specifically thinking about crape myrtles and camellias.

They need to get their roots well established before the cold temperatures arrive. A bit of wrapping for the first winter or two may also do wonders to promote their happiness and minimize winter injury.

With winter injury, our winds are usually the culprit. March is often the villain month. I have gotten to the point where I first separate plants into their ability to tolerate wind. Then I think about sun or shade and moisture requirements.

The division and relocation of spring blooming perennials, hostas, daylilies and peonies is also a common question I get. My pat answer, if I know the person, is at 2 pm on August 20. Translation, early fall, as soon as a few showers are falling.

He said when. I said why not now. He agreed, knowing that I would have good sense and stash them in some corner of a greenhouse until spring, and gave me three nice plants. I knew it was January, but it was rather warm. I looked at the weather map and it promised showers and more mild temperatures. I planted two of them and took the third to the greenhouse realizing that I had just sentenced the other two to death.

When the colder weather was promised, I covered them with some branches from my discarded Christmas tree and hoped for the best. The two I planted in the garden are just breaking into bloom. The one in the greenhouse died quickly. Go figure.

That leaves me with just one goal. I have never planted anything in February. I still need February to be twelve for twelve.