DeKALB – Lawn sprinklers in December are not a ridiculous idea for Joel Barczak.

Barczak, co-owner of Blumen Gardens in Sycamore, said gardening does not and should not go into hibernation during winter months, because it provides an ideal time for maintenance and planning ahead for spring.

With the severe drought over the summer, Barczak said it is especially important this year to make sure shrubs and evergreens such as pine, spruce and boxwood trees have plenty of water before the ground freezes and makes it impossible for the trees and plants to absorb nutrients.