Greetings!
You know you're an Iowan when you step outside on a sunny February day that has (finally) hit 35 degrees and say, "It's gorgeous out!"
This winter was predicted to be one of the warmest on record, and I have to say, it's not been as awful as some, by a long shot. We've had only a couple of nasty cold snaps, and most days I can dash out to my car to grab something without even putting on my coat.
And it's only going to get better. Spring is right around the corner! It's almost time to plant all sorts of seeds that should be planted outside in 8 to 10 weeks and I just bought a cute little basil plant for my windowsill now to plant outside in May.
It won't be long now 'til it's really gorgeous out-like, oh, 50 degrees!
Yours in chilly gardening,
Veronica Lorson Fowler
|
Forced Branches
The first cut flowers from my garden grace my table in March, when I cut branches of pussy willow and forsythia to "force" indoors. Easy to do. Simply cut them when their buds just barely start to form (also called swelling), soak them in cold water in the tub, then arrange them in a vase and watch their flowers open!
Click here to find out what branches force well and how.
|
Cut It Out!
Late winter and early spring is the ideal time to prune many types of trees and shrubs. But it takes a little know-how to prune them well so that they look and bloom or produce their best and retain a healthy, beautiful shape. We've got lots of good information to break it down for you and make it easy.
|