Q: I have two large angel trumpet plants that I usually move into the garage during winter. They are getting too big and heavy to move. What are my chances of keeping the plants alive if I plant them outside?

A: I think your instincts are correct: plant them in a protected area near the house. For insurance, cut four sixteen-inch long sections of the plant stems and stand them upright in a tall vase, such that the lower half of each stem in submerged in water. Put the vase in a warm sunny window. The stems will root in the water and you can plant them into eight inch pots in January.