I was reading an article yesterday that said after your shrubs have gone dormant, applying a balanced fertilize will help with root production and get your shrubs off to a great start in the spring. I am not sure how well this will work but I have decided to give it a try on  a few shrubs. If anyone else does this, or has done this, please let me know your results.
   I also like to check the house plants that spent the summer outside for pests again at this time. Any eggs should have hatched or small insects should be visible by now. Soapy water will get rid of many pests without the use of pesticides. Remember that house plants enjoy a misting of water also.