I save literally hundreds of plants indoors each winter. If you have the space, it makes sense to save as many as you can. You'll save money, of course, but you'll also end up with bigger specimens than you could buy in spring.

It actually doesn't take very much room to keep favorite tropical plants through the winter. You don't need a greenhouse. Almost any window will do. Plants may not stay in prime condition; all they have to do is survive until spring returns. Mine fill up my front and back porches and nearly every window in the house. Smaller plants, such as cacti and succulents, thrive under lights in the basement.

Prime candidates for saving include tropical perennials, shrubs and vines such as geraniums, angel trumpets, bananas, dwarf citrus trees, bougainvillea, mandevilla and blue potato tree. In addition, bring in houseplants that are vacationing outside, such as palms, jade plant, dracaenas, spider plants, Swedish ivy and other foliage plants. These houseplants can tolerate lower light levels than the others.

Not all plants need light in winter. Bulbous plants go dormant after they freeze back. After the first frost, cut back the leaves and stalks of cannas, gladiolus, dahlias, pineapple lilies, oxalis and other non-hardy bulbs.

I leave many of these bulbs in their pots and haul them down to a cool, dark room in my basement. The bulbs can also be dug and stored in loosely-tied plastic bags. They need air so they don't rot. Some people add damp peat moss or wood shavings to keep the bulbs just slightly moist throughout the winter dormancy. I throw a little water on the potted bulbs every month or so.

With just a few hours of work, you can save many plants and give them a warm winter haven. Your garden - especially your patio - will cost less next spring and be even more beautiful.