We’re still firmly entrenched in the middle of winter across the nation, but it won’t be long before our hope is rekindled with the first blooms of hyacinths, daffodils and other spring blooming bulbs. It is already beginning in my zone 9 garden. As I look out the window this dreary morning, I see the neighbor’s Laurel oak is alight with brand new spring green leaves. I stand in amazement of this overnight occurrence, and I quickly check my own tree to discover that teensy baby leaves are well on their way too. Hurray! I wish an early spring for all of you out there.
This past month I added lots of regional gardening web sites, and have loads more to add in the upcoming months – so stay tuned! Hopefully, I will have something for all 50 states. Please feel free to help me out by e-mailing your favorites to me.
Many new butterfly gardening links were added, including the humorously named Butterfly Gardening for Ninnies and the Horticulturally Challenged. You’ll find they keep it simple on this site and, personally speaking, I like simple. One that received a 5-star rating from viewers is Butterflies of North America which offers something for everyone regardless of what state you live in.
Now for some new blogs. We all love blogs and here are some good ones. Dee in Oklahoma rambles on in her Red Dirt Ramblings, and Betsy’s Garden delivers the goods for gardeners in Minnesota, Wisconsin and surrounding areas. I couldn’t resist including this next blog in my newsletter because I love its name – Plant Whatever Brings you Joy. Already the name provides some great advice. You’ll find these sites mentioned above, along with more blogs and Web sites on our What’s New page.
Looking for a Bargain?
In this day and age when gas prices are soaring ever-higher and food costs keep steadily rising, who isn’t in search of a bargain. Our sister-site, Garden Bargains Online keeps tally of the latest coupons, discounts, sales and special offers from nurseries and garden product companies.
Our Garden Bargains blog digs a little deeper by featuring individual products that will save you $$$’s. This blog is interactive, and I am inviting everyone to participate. How? By leaving a comment (positive or negative) on featured products you’ve used, and also by sharing with all of us your latest garden find.
Garden News -
The Great Backyard Bird Count is scheduled for February 15 – 18th. For more information visit BirdSource.org.
Elizabeth Bickford wants everyone to know they are invited to Historic Garden Week in Virginia (April 19th) which is sponsored by The Ashland Garden Club. For more details, visit Virginia is for Lover’s.
The Perennial Plant Association has named Geranium ‘Rozanne‘ as the 2008 Perennial Plant of the Year.
John Valleau at Perennials.com is creating lists of outstanding plant performers across the U.S. To participate you can send him an e-mail with your best performing perennials.
March 1st is the deadline to apply for the 2008 Youth Garden Grants from the National Gardening Association.
The Latest Regional Gardening Books -
The Rhode Island Gardener’s Companion: An Insider’s Guide to Gardening in the Ocean State by Barbara Gee starting at $10.38
The Michigan Gardener’s Companion: An Insider’s Guide to Gardening in the Great Lakes State by Rita C. Henehan starting at $8.96.
Container Gardening for Washington and Oregon by Marianne Binetti and Don Williamson starting at $13.06.
Herb Gardening for Washington and Oregon by Marianne Binetti and Laura Peters starting at $13.57
As I wrap this post up, the sun is beginning to peak through the clouds and I’m headed outdoors to enjoy the first new leaves of spring on my neighbor’s tree. I hope you enjoyed the featured Web sites and blogs this month. Please email me a link to your garden blog, so I can include it in our Regional Directory.
For more great horticultural websites, please visit iloveplants.com – your online garden resource!
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