Did you know February is prime time to plant trees and flowers in some parts of the country? While it might seem a little chilly outside, spring is around the corner and avid gardeners can get a head start on their newest additions, if they know how to make the right choices. If you just can’t wait any longer to bust out your spade and new Crocs, here are a few gorgeous options:

1. Deciduous Fruit Trees

While February is often cold and rainy (and as such not good weather for many plants), deciduous fruit trees can’t get enough of this wet weather. You’ll most likely find them bare root, so there won’t be any root soil or leaves. Nurseries have them in abundance this time of year, often in boxes.

Most will be dormant, but you might find a few beginning to show leaves. If this is the case, feel free to remove shoots that are too young and short of chlorophyll. You’re better off holding out for new sprouts that will come soon enough.

2. Camellias

Right in time for Valentine’s Day, camellias adore this time of year and get their growth spurts immediately after they flower. That’s why nurseries are touting their best camellias this time of year. Make sure to plant them high, allowing about one inch of the root ball to protrude above the ground.

You’ll want to allow space for the root ball to settle. If the planting is done incorrectly (too low), it can kill camellias (pro tip — this also goes for azaleas) and is the main cause for early death. Besides their persnicketiness for needing to be planted just so, they’re otherwise a durable option.

3. Roses

A rose by any other planting season might not grow as sturdily. While they’ll demand pruning on an annual basis, they’re also without leaves and happy to stay dormant. Of course, with so many breeds of roses, you’ll need to prepare to prune in a variety of ways — some are really demanding, while others require virtually no care at all.

As with any shrub, make sure old branches are snipped to encourage new growth and allow air and light to get in. Not sure which trees or plants are your best bet? Let a professional take care of the selection (in tandem with you, of course) and the dirty work. All you’ll have to do is kick back and watch them grow by the time spring break rolls around.