After the holidays, plant lovers often struggle to keep poinsettias, a common Christmas decoration and gift, alive. Contrary to popular belief, Duayne Friesen of AM 1250's Lawn and Garden Journal says poinsettias can be relatively easy to care for.

Friesen explains it comes down to watering your poinsettia properly. "They don't like being too wet. The roots can rot off very quickly. Most often the reason is because we have them in those decorative containers with the foil wrap and it doesn't allow for drainage." He reiterates, "If you do over-water, the water can't escape and the roots get too wet and the plant starts to die at the roots first, and then the leaves start to show stress."

Friesen adds if properly cared for, poinsettias can last for years. "You can put them outside in the summer and get these huge bushy plants," he points out.

Another plant problem in winter has to do with vegetation outdoors. During the winter months, animals, specifically rabbits, struggle to find food to eat and many resort to nibbling on prized plants on residential properties. Friesen says this only becomes a major issue in certain situations. "If they've eaten the new buds for next year there will be no new growth coming out on them for next year, and that could have severe implications on your plant," he explains. "The other thing to look at is if they've attacked and fed on the main trunk and chewed the bark away from there."

Friesen believes plants will benefit from the amount of snowfall received this winter, and is hoping that will translate into more moisture for springtime after a dry 2012.

You can catch the Lawn and Garden Journal with Duayne Friesen Saturday mornings at 9:15 on AM 1250.