ANTICIPATION
A survey in Natural Home magazine indicates that 25% of the readers polled anticipate the first flower blooms in spring. What do you look forward to? Maybe the first crocus or snow drops? It is interesting to see what other people look forward to. 15% of the readers said that they looked forward to trees budding and 12% look forward to digging in the earth. What do you look forward to? Maybe the first crocus, snow drops or forsythia? (naturalhomemagzine.com)

SPRING VEGETABLES
There are a few cool weather vegetables that you can plant, now, to get started in your vegetable garden. Lettuce and spinach are two favorites that will tolerate the cooler nights. There are several varieties of lettuce -, bib, romaine, red leaf—that will make any salad special. Many garden centers have selections that you can plant now. You can also grow them from seed (and get more for your money).

NARCISSUS
The Latin name for Daffodil is Narcissus and this spring flowering bulb is often identified by both names. There are over 60 varieties and several are fragrant. The bulbs are great to use where animals are a problem because the leaves are toxic. They are great to use for naturalizing in the garden because they will multiply.

CARROTS
Do you have a favorite vegetable to grow in your garden? Maybe you have been experimenting with some of the older ‘heirloom’ varieties. A few fun ones to try in the carrot family are Purple Dragon, Atomic Red and Purple Haze. Their colors are as their name implies. In fact, Purple haze is rich in antioxidants which, among other things, improves memory and enhance vision. They are fun to use uncooked in salads as their colors fade when cooked. They will definitely add conversation to any meal. And taste great, too!

ROSEMARY
The herb Rosemary is described as an ‘attractive evergreen shrub’. Well, if you are in Zone 5, the winters are often not kind to this incredible plant. (That does not mean that we stop trying to find the right location.) Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance and friendship. It is often carried by wedding couples as a sign of love and fidelity. And, the fresh leaves of this herb are so wonderful in cooking! It is great when used in grilling, in soups and stews. The leaves can also be used in making potpourris and sachets to scent linens and deter moths.

COMPANIONS
Consider planting basil with your tomato plants this year. Basil can help tomatoes overcome both insects and disease. Plant it parallel to the tomatoes because it is smaller in height. It is used to repel mosquitoes and flies.

NATIONAL ARBOR DAY
The first Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska. It was organized by Julius Sterling Morton who was a Nebraska journalist and politician. The idea spread and is celebrated in all 50 states celebrate Arbor Day and has spread to other countries. It is a good day for all of us to take stock of the trees in our yard and in our community. Look for broken branches and signs of disease or insect infestation. It is also just as important to think about planting new trees for this and future generations. Trees add value to our property (up to 15% increase in value), provide wind protection and cool our homes. ’Plant mor’ trees.’ this Arbor Day

“We may see on a spring day in one place more beauty in a wood than in any garden.” – William Robinson

ERGONOMIC TOOLS
Having the right tool can help make the task easier. This is especially true for using garden tools that are ergonomically designed. The right tool can fight fatigue and make the task easier to accomplish. There are several companies, such as Gardening with Ease, Radius, Life with Ease and others who have various styles from which to choose.

BLOG
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