ACTIVITIES
A recent study conducted by researchers in Australia has shown that recreational amenities can encourage people to walk more.  “The presence of a variety of interesting places in their  neighborhoods is likely to induce resident’s participation in recreational physical activity” as indicated in the study.” The study “Associations with perceived environmental attributes”, (2009 Elsevier Ltd.) highlights the need to create stimulating outdoor environments if we want to encourage elders to spend more time in the outdoor environment.  Gardens, parks, recreation areas and many other amenities should be incorporated into every neighborhood.

SIGNS OF SPRING
We have had to endure, what may seem to be, a colder and snowier winter.  This spring may not come soon enough for many of us.  We start to look around for those signals in nature that indicate that the garden is coming back to life.  One of the early signs is to see those little yellow flowers emerging from underneath the mulch in the garden.  Where there was once a large mound of snow, which melted the last week of February, several are crocus beginning to bloom.  Looking around, what signs of spring do you see?

“A garden is never so good as it will be next year.”
– Thomas Cooper

GARDENS FOR ALL
As you start to plan your garden for the 2010 season, consider making it an intergenerational activity.  Many people reminisce over the days when they would happily work in the garden with their parents and/or grandparents.  This is  a great way to remember a special time in our lives.  So, plan the garden to include children.  How about starting an alphabet garden or maybe a  pizza garden?  Encouraging gardeners of all ages will create lasing memories for generations to come.

SPINACH
Popeye was not wrong.  We need our spinach and now is the time to get planting.  Spinach is a cool weather crop and can be planted in the garden in early spring.  You can start the plants in seed trays, usually 2 to 3 weeks before you want to plant them in the garden.  You can also plant the seeds directly in the garden in rows.  You will need to thin the plants as they emerge and keep them about 6” apart. (You can eat the small plants that have been thinned out.) Be sure to plant spinach in a sunny location and keep them watered until they germinate.

MAKE FRIENDS
Early spring is the time to divide hostas, daylilies, daisies and other perennials.  You may have space in your garden to move them.  However, you can also offer some of the plants to friends.  They may want to trade with you from their garden, too.  This way every one benefits.

FEEDER TIPS
The best place to locate a bird feeder is to mount it on a 5 foot pole.  A cone shaped baffle mounted just under the feeder will deter squirrels from getting to the seed.  Place the feeder about 10 feet from trees and shrubs to allow birds to sit and wait their turn.  And, remember to locate the feeder where you can see it from inside so you will be able to enjoy the activity.

HORTICULTURAL THERAPY
The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American Horticultural Therapy Association entered an exhibit at the 2010 Philadelphia Flower Show.  This is the largest indoor flower show in the world. The exhibit won two awards and even more importantly introduced the benefits of horticultural therapy to over 250,000 people who attended the show.  Pictures of the HT exhibit are on line at the DFG blog site, as well as the web site www.MAHTN.org

BLOG
You can now follow our posts on the blog site: designforgenerations.wordpress.com In fact, we are transitioning the newsletter over to this format starting in April.  We will continue to email the newsletter to everyone, and it will also be available through the Word Press site.