The full measure of Love

February is like the door to spring. We start to dream of the flowers soon to come, the warming days of Spring and freedom from the bondage of the cold winter. While the snow is still covering the ground it is a great time to do some pruning of trees and shrubs. One thing to remember...don't cut off your flowers and fruit. Azaleas and rhododendrons bloom on the previous years growth so prune only after flowering. Speaking of flowers! Valentines Day is our official day to recognize

"TRUE LOVE"

Now comes the question "What do I get my sweetheart and the ones I love?" Remember that gifts from the heart usually can't be bought with money and the greatest gift is one of your time. Instead of buying a card, make one. Instead of buying some candy, make some. I can't do that you might say! It's like we have so often heard "It's the thought that counts". Watch out for the excuse version of that line though, it can bite you pretty hard. "I really thought about you but..". Truth told, it doesn't mean anything except you were too lazy or that you really didn't even give it a thought. Saying nothing is better than making excuses. Consider "I'm sorry" or "Thank you for loving me". Don't say I'll do better...JUST DO IT! To keep yourself out of trouble check out this site for some great ideas on how to share the LOVE. http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/

Will we have an early spring?

Our old friend "Punxsutawney Phil" let me down! I really was hoping for an early spring. Now, in the face of another huge snowstorm bearing down on central Virginia, I am wondering if I will be able to even get on the garden to prep it before summer! Oh well, that's enough whining. The water table in our area has been down for years and the snow actually creates pressure to force the water down. The up side is we do get a greater benefit from the snow than the heavy rain that just runs off and washes the topsoil away with it. This is good! For all of us outdoor lovers, cabin fever has us climbing the walls and shoveling snow just doesn't cut it.
If you've had the misfortune to be attacked by some of the winter bugs floating around try some of these homegrown helps. Many of you have a small windowsill herb garden and if you don't it is a simple problem to remedy. Many articles make it seem that natural cures are something new but it is simply a resurrection of something very old. You can grow these natural medicines right at home. Strong scented herb like Rosemary, Basil, Sage, Oregano and many others have antibiotic properties. That's why you see cinnamon toothpaste, it kills bacteria in your mouth! If you don't have fresh herbs you can use dried. Take a coffee filter add some herbs and tie it up with a piece of butchers twine. Brew up some herb tea or simmer in a small pot or on top of the wood stove and simply release the healing vapors into the room. It's a great air freshener too! Cloves and Ginger Root help clear sinuses. Stay healthy and breath easier so when you can get out you will be healthy and ready to dig.