Though a few stubborn trees still cling to colorful leaves, increasingly we are faced with the bleak landscape that characterizes November.

Still, on those brisk days with their vivid blue skies and stinging winds, there are plenty of outdoor chores and projects to occupy our attention.

Of course there’s raking – will we ever complete it? As soon as one carpet of autumn-smelling leaves is gathered up and scooped into the compost pile, another drifts in and covers the lawn once again.

It’s also a good time to clean up, oil and put away the garden tools and equipment that have labored under our determined grip.

And it’s not too late to plant those spring-blooming bulbs, possibly bought in September with the best of intentions.

But, more and more, our attentions turn inside – to hot mulled cider, roaring fires and long winter’s naps. And to gardening, of course. Gardening indoors.

Now is the time to pamper your peperomia, fancy your ficus and prize your peace lily.

And now is the time to defer to your dieffenbachia and shower attention upon your weeping fig. Seriously. If you’re planning to paint the walls of a room containing either of these two plants, be sure to move them to a different location for a few days. Many paints contain mercury, an additive used to retard mold. Even minute levels of this substance can release fumes toxic enough to harm these and other sensitive plants.

If you’ve always wanted to propagate your African violets, winter is a great time to try this simple method. Soak peat pellets in water and squeeze out excess. Stick one leaf cutting in each pellet, burying the stem about an inch. Seal each pullet in a plastic bag, being sure not to let the plastic touch the cutting. Put it in bright light but not in direct sun.

In a few weeks, roots will have formed and the pellets can be potted up. Choose small pots for the new plants, as an African violet should be in a container one-third its diameter. And make sure your African violets are kept warm. Optimum temperature is 70 degrees during the day and 65 at night. If the temperature dips below 55 degrees, the plants may die.

African violets like a south window in winter but will also flourish under fluorescent lights, set for 12 to 14 hours a day at eight to 10 inches above the plants. Fertilize with a one-quarter strength solution, watering from the top. Do not wet leaves, as they will spot.

Although most indoor plants go through a period of dormancy in winter, during which they should not be fertilized, cyclamen is the exception. Feed it regularly through the winter months and continue to water it well.

Icy blasts of air caused every time the door is opened will give many of your plants a chill. If your plants are dropping leaves, make sure to move them away from drafts and especially away from the doorway.

A jade plant will drop its leaves without sufficient light. As long as it’s kept in low light, any new leaves will be thin and attached to weak stems. Always keep jade plants in direct sunlight to grow them to their best advantage.

Hope these inner gardening tips help. I welcome those letters and emails. Let me know how you use flowers and plants over the holidays and how you survive winter without outdoor gardening.