Roses grafted on Fortuniana root stock are better suited to our area but it is difficult to find them in bare root plants. You can purchase potted roses year round. Grass - eliminate areas that are difficult to mow and are unnecessary for foot traffic or as play areas for children and pets. Groundcovers work just as well as grass at holding the soil together and preventing dust and dirt from coming indoors. Groundcovers are lower maintenance since they do not need mowing, use less water and have less pest problems.
Examples are Asiatic jasmine, juniper, blue porterweed, Algerian ivy, liriope, and ferns.
Plant a garden of salad greens - Lettuce, parsley, chives, escarole, endive, kale, beets, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, and turnips are wonderful winter garden vegetables. Start out small and monitor your garden daily. Keeping pests in check by hand removing will mean less spraying. Young plants need daily watering. Be sure to use either a hand held hose with a shut off nozzle or drip irrigation.