Planting and cultivating a garden is an extremely rewarding experience, and the 117.6 million Americans who garden every year would most likely agree. Although you may not think of winter as a time to put thought into your garden, it's a great time to do so. Even if you don't have a garden of your own at your home or apartment, there are great community gardens where you can get a plot and grow your own flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Here are some ways that you can use the winter to prepare your garden for spring.

My friends at the Chicago Botanic Garden are on the verge of a major milestone. For the first time in their 41-year history, they may reach 1 Million Visitors for the year. They're so close, that in order to give it a bump, they're offering $10 parking through December 31 (normally $25), and admission is free as always. There's a lot of winter goodness to explore.