Q: I have a large banana tree growing in a pot outdoors. I do not know what type it is, but I was told that it is tender and will not survive the winter. If I don't have a greenhouse, is there any way to make this tree survive? I have a small house and do not want to share my living room with this giant plant. It is over 5 feet tall!

-- L.L., Seattle

M.B.: You've made me risk a slip on this banana question as I have never tried to overwinter a banana tree (although I do admit to letting one die). But according to the book "Palms Won't Grow Here and Other Myths" by David Francko (Timber Press, 308 pages, $18.45), you can help your banana tree survive a Seattle winter outdoors. Read the book for more details, but the general idea is to wait until a frost destroys the foliage, then cut the tree to within 1 foot of the ground and cover the stump with a 2-foot layer of leaves held in place with mesh or wire. A loose tarp to keep out the rain also helps. This winter fashion statement is not very attractive, but if you love the bold drama of banana foliage this beastly job could save your beauty.

Q: I have a clematis I would like to move. It is blooming for the second time this year. I also have a red and a white heather and need to move them. Could you please tell me how to care for these plants?

-- A.S., Everett

M.B.: Both clematis and heather plants can be moved in the spring or early fall, but by mid October it becomes more risky to move these plants, so wait until March or April if you can't do the dirty deed this week. First, dig a ditch around the root ball of each plant, then slide a shovel under the ball and remove the clump with as much soil around the roots as possible. Immediately replant in a new hole that is twice as wide as the root ball you've dug up. Plant at the same level the plants were growing at before. Water well but don't tramp onto the soil to firm it down.

A wide hole with loose soil is more important than a deep hole. After the operation, it is especially important to offer plenty of liquids and blanket the roots with a mulch or layer of bark chips to keep them cozy when the first big frost hits. You can prune your clematis vine to 3 feet tall to make it easier to move, but don't give your heather a haircut until after they finish blooming in the spring.

Q: When do I prune my ornamental grass? It has lovely seedpods now, but I do not know what type it is.

-- P. , e-mail

M.B.: Wait. Enjoy the lovely sounds and colors of ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus and let the birds feed on those seed heads. Then remember the Valentine's Day Massacre and cut brown and dry ornamental grasses to the ground in mid-February. This makes room for the new grass shoots that will appear in the spring. Some "grasses" are sedges, or Carex, and stay green all winter. These do not need to be pruned.