(1) Semi-tropical natives such as dahlias, gladioli, begonias, canna , caladium, elephant ears, oxalis and other tender summer-flowering bulbs will not make it through the winter outside of the warmest climate zones.

(2) For especially dramatic container plants, try the summer flower bulbs, for starters: tuberose, oxalis, agapanthus, cannas , begonias, dahlias, caladiums, lilies, or elephant ears.

(3) Don't allow stored dahlias and cannas to get too dry or they will be difficult to start into growth again in the spring.

(4) Its recently retired director, Marco Polo Stufano, was an early champion of silver foliage and Victorian bedding plants, like cannas and coleus, which he used in surprising ways.

(5) After frost kills their foliage, dig up callas, cannas , dahlias, gladiolus, tuberous begonias, and other tender bulbs, Dry off the bulbs and pack them in vermiculite or sterile potting soil.