My garage does not freeze "usually" in the winter. If my temps. stay really cold outside for a long period of time, it will eventually freeze in there.
I have a thermometer in there that I look at if it gets really cold. If it gets at freezing in there, I open the door from the house and let some heat in there for 30-60 minutes in the morning. (when my wife isn't looking---;o) ).
There is no light in there what so ever.
The sticks (brugs) will loose "part" of the branches sometimes by spring, turning dead looking. I just cut those off in the spring and it starts right up again.
I keep the leaves off during the winter, because it will try to grow a little. That's about it.
I have lost a couple, but not usually. If I do lose one, it's probably a variety that won't winter over very well here in Oregon and it's not a "keeper" for me anyway.
Oh, by the way, I've had my "Charles" for 5 or 6 years now along with some others.
