Rain's been lighter than normal so far in November, with only 1.2 inches recorded at Sea-Tac half way through the month. Of course, one good storm can toss a few inches at us overnight. Thanksgiving weekend, traditionally, pounds us with storms. Root growth continues slowly throughout winter in western Washington because soils don't generally freeze deeply. Visiting nurseries in fall and winter provides a respite from frantic schedules, and lets us add plants we've wanted, especially after leaves fall and we can observe necessary changes.
Gardeners can install container plants from nurseries now and through the winter.
Mild temperatures, even with intervals of freezing weather, allow planting now and in December, January, and February. Be sure to protect what you've purchased rather than letting plants sit around exposed to freezes. Now's the time to gather up the orphans in black pots and get them into soil. If for some reason you can't do a permanent installation, sink the plant, pot and all, up to its rim in soil. The soil blanket will insulate and provide winter protection so that roots don't freeze.