Tuesdays with Annie 01 19 10

Today is a busy day in Massachusetts. And although snow is falling outside, it is important that after you get your answers to yesterday’s brain teasers, that you make your way to the voting booth. The inspirational thought of the day is by Mahatma Gandhi. “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

1. There are two times of the year when the actual average temperatures significantly differ in North America. True. The two times of the year that these temperature changes occur are mid-autumn, when temperatures provide us with extended warmth called ‘Indian Summer’ and in late January, when unexplained temperatures rise in mid-winter. This is referred to as the ‘January thaw.’

2. It is a good practice to remove accumulated snow from tree limbs. False. It is not considered good practice to remove accumulated snow, specifically heavy, wet snow from tree limbs. People tend to do more damage to the plant in an effort to remove it. It is best left alone as you can cause more stress to the plant.

3. The flower meaning for a Zinnia is freedom, good perspective. False. The flower meaning for freedom and good perspective is the Bird of Paradise.

4. Rhubarb was introduced to growers in Massachusetts by an unnamed Maine gardener. True. If early records of rhubarb are true, it states an unnamed Maine gardener was the first to obtain seed or root stock from Europe. When introduced to growers in Massachusetts, its popularity spread and was sold in produce markets.

5. Asparagus can be harvested in its first planting season. False. Asparagus must be planted in the ground three years before it can be harvested. An asparagus plant will typically produce for 8 to 12 years.

Heavy winter snows on a 'Donald Wyman' Crabapple - Photo By Greg Bilowz