It sure is grey out there, and if you're anything like me, you sometimes have a hard time remembering what the ground looked like before it started snowing. There is some hope, though. Spring is not that far away. Really! Did you know that there is no better time than now to get ready for a beautiful spring/summer west coast garden? Vancouver Sun garden columnist, Steve Whysall sure does.

In his book The Vancouver Sun's Best Plant Picks, Steve gives month-by-month tips on planning the perfect west coast garden. Some of January tips? How about  browsing seed catalogues and placing an order? Or beginning seeds indoors getting them ready for the warm days ahead? In February you can start planting raspberry canes and other fruit bushes. Yum - I can taste those fresh raspberries now!

Steve also gives the low-down on what plants and flowers are in bloom. In January, you'll notice the yellow flowers of witch-hazel. Clip a few branches to enjoy its exquisite fragrance indoors, out of the cold and rain. Beautiful little snowdrops also bloom in January and February - sure signs that spring is on the way. If you want to plan ahead for the dark days of winter next year, plant these bulbs along with your other spring flowering bulbs in September or October.

Doesn't that make you feel better?

Do you have any winter gardening tips or favourite January or February blooms? Comment on this post!