Monday, February 04, 2013



Loving February--We are having cold, some snow, and just around the bend from spring :) What is not to love ?

Indeed it is too early to think about putting anything into the ground except trees and shrubs, some perennials and bulbs, but it is not too early to start flats in the greenhouse environment.

Herbs, spring onion, and lettuces will do well if started now and then transition them to the ground in very early spring.

Looking for a plant ( herb ) to attract beneficial insects to your garden...think Yarrow--this pretty bloomer has earned quite the reputation for all the goodness it brings to the space around it.
It feeds lacewings, lady beetles, parasitic wasp, syrphid flies, and tachinid flies. Having one of these in your gardens is a blessing, having more than one or all of them is a Hallelujah time !

Fennel--another herb that brings something very special to the mix...it is fodder for caterpillars of the anise butterfly. We can never have too many butterflies.

Parsley--feeds the caterpillar of the Black Swallowtail-the most beautiful butterfly in my opinion--if you look close you'll discover they have many shades of blue and black.

So much to think and talk about this time of year.

Do remember to plan and order seed early if you haven't saved your own....everyone who gardens will be doing the same, and it is first come , first served, for the pick of the best.

If it's sunny in your world...think spring~
If it's cold and wintry...enjoy the magic of whatever that brings.

Plenty to celebrate this month...Lunar New Year on the 10th, Lincoln's birthday on the 12th, Ash Wednesday on the 13th, Valentine's Day on the 14th,  Washington's birthday on the 22nd, and Flag Day on the 24th.  Have fun and give a little extra thought to each of these special dates-the importance of who and what.

May the best of yesterday merge with the best of today and bring the most amazing tomorrow :) Make it so~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz