Although the majority of perennials and trees are dormant this month doesn't mean the garden can be ignored. Dormancy actually helps with some of the opportunities for projects this month. Now is the time when the underlying structure of the garden is most apparent. Evaluate a garden for areas where architectural elements such as arbors or trellises are needed. Deciduous shrubs and trees should be inspected and pruned at this time. Dormant shrubs may also be removed or transplanted if the ground is not frozen. Look for winter color in the garden and ways to enhance it with different colors and textures of evergreens. Heavy labor projects can be accomplished now while the weather is cooler. Large winter clean-up jobs requiring chainsaws or chipper/shredders should be undertaken before spring green-up. Look for winter damage to trees caused by the weight of ice and snow. Broken branches with uneven wounds should be sawn off cleanly to protect the tree from disease and insect infestations later.