Tips from the Pros
Money Can Grow on Trees, if You Choose Wisely
You don't have to be a poet to know there's nothing as lovely as a tree. And everyone knows that planting a tree is good for the environment. But did you know that if you plant the right tree in the right place, you can save money on energy bills? And by using less energy, you'll help the environment even more. Deciduous trees - those that lose their leaves in winter like maples, beeches or oaks - are the ones to choose. Plant these trees where the sun shines brightly on your house and you can keep it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. In summer, the leaves block the sun's hot rays, keeping the house cooler and reducing the demand for air conditioning. In the winter, after the leaves fall, the trees allow the sunshine to hit your house, keeping your home brighter and warmer and reducing the amount you have to pay for heat. So as you plan your outdoor landscaping, think about trees. It could pay dividends for years to come.

Plant of the Month
Red Twig Dogwood
With the Valentine's holiday, the colors red and white get a lot of attention during the month of February. But cards and candy aren't the only way to add this cheerful color combo to your life. With addition of a few red twig dogwoods, you can enjoy it in the winter months for years to come. Red twig dogwoods aren't full-size trees like their famous flowering namesakes. They are hardy shrubs whose bright red branches are never more beautiful than when set off by an expanse of snow. Red twig dogwoods are hardy and versatile. They work well as accent plantings, as groupings and as hedges along a property line. They like full sun, but are tolerant of a wide range of soils, preferring moist-to-wet locations that are slightly acidic. At maturity they can grow to be 4-8 feet tall with a spread of 10 feet, but regular trimming can manage their size effectively. In spring they boast creamy white flowers, in summer they have variegated leaves and in fall they present attractive white fruits and beautiful maroon foliage. All told, they're a great year-round addition to a yard, but they are never more appreciated than in the dreary or snowy days of February. So here's to the red twig dogwood - and Happy Valentine's Day!

Landscaping Trend
Think About Bulbs for Summer Flowers
In another month the snow should be gone, and people will start to look for sprouts from the bulbs they planted last fall for their tulips and daffodils. But many people have discovered that bulbs can produce a variety of spectacular flowers in summer as well. Dahlias, lilies, begonias, gladiolas and caladium are just some of the summer bulbs that can add color, variety and fragrance to your landscape. Most require full sun, and you do need to replant many of them every year (storing them in winter). But they are worth the effort. Dahlias, for example, produce a variety of colors and blooms in all different shapes and sizes. Gladiolas are another popular and prolific summer bulb, producing tall spikes of blooms in a wild range of colors. Begonias are a wonderful plant for either hanging baskets or in-ground gardens and provide bright and colorful blooms and handsome foliage. Caladium is a great choice if you have a shady area to brighten up, with heart-shaped foliage in hues of green, pink, burgundy and white. Finally, if you are a lily lover, take a look at the spectacular Asiatic and Oriental lilies. Asiatic lilies are easy to grow in a variety of soils and Orientals have become increasingly popular with huge blooms and a strong perfumed aroma. Both can make your late-summer garden a showpiece in the neighborhood.