The Blizzard Effect of Resolutions

As George William Curtis gently reminds us, “The new year begins in a snow-storm of white vows.” So not to get caught in the blizzard effect of resolutions, start 2012 slow but steady; make everything on your list achievable and really stick to it! Here’s hoping that somewhere plants, design, and reveling in nature fits into the whole equation; even if it’s just reading a gardening blog or tending to a tiny vegetable patch. So off to enjoy the blast of a fresh start and a flurry of white vows! Happy 2012 and don’t forget to come back and visit next year.

Image by Greg Bilowz

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

Gloves for Your Greens

For anyone who planted evergreens this past gardening season, you want that investment to still look smashing come spring. But then comes winter with one of its harshest elements – wind. One of the best ways to protect your newly planted shrubs from dehydrating winter winds is with an anti-desiccant spray. This application provides an extra layer of skin. Think of it as gloves for your evergreens. This breathable-like Gore-Tex for shrubs should be applied when the plants are dormant and according to the labels’ recommended temperature. It may require more than one spray (two to three may be necessary) but this simple step, if done correctly, can make the difference between a plant surviving its first nasty winter and looking green and healthy come spring. You can also apply this extra protective spray to many tender Rhododendrons and other broadleaf evergreens (i.e., Holly, Boxwood and Mountain Laurel) that prefer additional winter protection on a yearly basis.

Thought it was time to button up the garden? Think again. Get your own winter wear on and give your plantings that extra layer of skin to make it through the blistering winds. And as Kevin Doyle points out, “Texture and foliage keep a garden interesting through the season. Flowers are just moments of gratification.”  



Images by Ann Bilowz

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

The Last Word

Henry David Thoreau’s quote is a great way to wrap up the last wordless Wednesday in 2011. “Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.”

Image by Greg Bilowz

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

Casting the Last Gift

This New England weather has been an extra bonus gift for gardeners. Although a bit of clouds and rain might damper this morning’s sunshine, the buzzer has not gone off yet for last minute clean-up in the garden. There’s still time to rid of debris, leaves and tidy up the flower beds. But if you were good and that’s already checked off your list, here’s Tuesday’s thought – give yourself a treat to the outside. This last-minute holiday gift of warmer than usual weather has been cast so enjoy it.

Remember the words of George MacDonald. “If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give.” To my two angel Border collies that endlessly enjoy that world of the outside and always have to take me with them!



Images by Ann Bilowz

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

Dreaming and Beaming

As the white, thick flakes gently touch the ground this morning, let the true holiday magic begin. But festive occasions can often turn slippery and treacherous, just like the pretty snowflakes. Many of us expect December to be set on autopilot; that everyone is dreaming and beaming, too. With emotions running at an extra high speed, the Christmas season often becomes bittersweet. Compound this with the loss of a loved one, a down economy or a chronic illness. Something as simple as a lack of natural sunlight or the stress of give, give, give can deplete the best of us.

In the wise words of W.C. Jones, “The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.” So make this holiday a season of joy rather than a season of gifts. Do you have extra? Be sure to spread it around. Smiles are a great place to start.

From us to you, have a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah or whatever celebration you partake in during this season of joy! And remember to make your 2012 New Year’s resolution. A great place to start is in the garden. Nature is proven to be a wonderful place to find joy!

Holiday Images and design by Bilowz Associates Inc.

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

Welcoming Light

In celebration of the winter solstice, a simple quote by Wendell Berry to accompany today’s photo.

"It may be when we no longer know what to do,
we have come to our real work,
and that when we no longer know which way to go,
we have begun our real journey."  

P.S. winter: the perfect season to reflect on the real work in the garden; the perfect time for design! And don’t forget to think landscape lighting.

Unfortunately, my blackberry camera has been acting up with these flash shots. What perfect timing for that easy-to-use camera, Santa. Not too many buttons and sophistication, though. With that said, I had to borrow the closest image I could find on the internet of what this morning’s sliver of a moon looked like, shining bright; a welcoming light.

Image of the slivered moon from the Internet

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

One More Day

Let the gardens officially hibernate; with just one more day until winter it’s a simple photo and quote for wordless Wednesday. From the American poet, Theodore Roethke, “Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.” Happy Hanukkah.

A winter snow shot in the garden by Greg Bilowz

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

Nesting for the Holidays?

Are you flying the coop or nesting nearby for the holidays? Wherever you go, have a wonderful time. And as John Burroughs reminds us, “If I were to name the three most precious resources of life, I should say books, friends, and nature; and the greatest of these, at least the most constant and always at hand, is nature.”

Today’s garden thought – create natural habitats for the birds. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how many birds visit your garden, even during the cold, winter months. Some may decide to even stay!

Image of a bird’s nest by Ann Bilowz

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

Flower Thoughts for Christmas Week

Most of us are wrapping up gifts and loose ends before we jump head first into the New Year. During the next couple of weeks, simplicity must be the theme – a flower power thought with a fitting quote to help us prepare for plenty of downtime in our winter gardens.

Today’s photo summarizes one quick hibernating tip for our landscapes – look at the natural views created on your property or other properties you may visit throughout the year. What draws you in? What keeps your focus? Observe the natural elements. Wherever your garden is, whether a rooftop terrace or a vegetable patch, think of your garden as art. Think of where you can take that! And as Paul Cezanne reminds us, “Art is a harmony parallel with nature.”

 
Image and design by Bilowz Associates Inc.

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

With or Without Plants

Susan McCoy, trend spotter and outdoor living expert shared a profound statement in a recent article about 2012 garden trends. "Plants are no longer a luxury, but a necessity for our lives. Plants can live without us, but we can't live without plants."

So if you think someone is missing out on this whole plant experience, ‘tis the season to get them jazzed. For a holiday gift, try an orchid rather than a poinsettia. Potted bulbs are great options, too. Check the Annie archives. Here’s a sampler on how to plant certain bulbs for indoors. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2009/11/last-minute-fall-shopping-list.html Or take a field trip to one of our favorite greenhouses. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2010/10/postcard-from-tropics.html

Got plants? ‘Tis the season for this perfect gift you can’t live without!

Plant Images by Greg Bilowz

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

What’s Your Holiday Tradition?

During this magical season, many families partake in holiday traditions; be it a special day to light the Christmas tree to the holiday dinner. Maybe it's a certain cookie or pie; an old family recipe that only surfaces during this time of year. So what’s your holiday tradition?

My family added an interesting one a few years back - the dessert bake-off to accompany the Christmas day feast. Each year we pick a different type of dessert (the reigning winner determines this at Thanksgiving.) There are usually about ten or so brave entries and the rest automatically become judges; this includes children with discerning sweet buds and spouses and parents voting with yes, only an unbiased opinion. It is definitely YMCA rules although on occasion, like this year, there’s a disqualifying factor – if you don’t have your recipe printed to the dessert, well, who knows. There have been some sketchy entries on whether it was from scratch or not. Remember, YMCA rules do apply. What matters most is that coveted prize at stake - the winning title. There is even a small trinket for capturing last place but that winning title is worth gold.

The first bake-off set the tone. The chosen sweet - fudge. You can only imagine that there were some real losers in this one. My brother took that first title with his concoction, which resembled frosting. Due to such razing, he actually forfeited his treasured prize to the fudge landing in last place, which truly was an abomination. Yes, there were quite a few vying for the low end of the totem pole. So every year since, my poor brother can’t shake his tarnished title. That fudge story comes alive with everyone vying to beat my brother’s frosting. Oh, excuse me – fudge.

So this year the dessert on deck - cookie bars, which according to my brother who has fervently been researching his recipes said has quite a history. I’m hoping that if you don’t share one of your holiday traditions you might lead me in the direction of a smashing cookie bar recipe. So I'll wrap it up with a Peg Bracken quote, “Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” But you can't forget the winning bake-off recipe!

Image from http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/sugar-cookie-bars/ with what just might be this year’s winning recipe! Plenty of frosting on this one.

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

Seeing the Awe in Late Fall

On this wordless Wednesday as we tailspin into the end of fall, Ruth E. Renkel’s quote fits today’s image best. “Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere nearby.” With winter approaching and natural light appearing less, spend time outdoors to make sure you get your daily dose.

Image by Ann Bilowz

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

Do You Believe?

That is the question of the season – do you believe? Whether you believe in miracles or Santa Claus or that the flowers will bloom again in the spring. What do you believe? Look in nature, the leafless trees that still hold a bird singing in the morning - ‘tis the season to believe! 

And in the words of Oscar Wilde, “I can believe anything provided it is incredible.” Enjoy this incredible season no matter what you believe!

P.S. Spring always comes again sooner for those that love the dirt!

Images from the Internet

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

What’s Roasting on Your Open Fire?

If you’re humming the classic Christmas songs while digging for a recipe to knock the socks off your holiday guests, then look no longer. Try this easy recipe from Epicurious; perfect for any holiday dinner party. This dish brings pasta and roasted chestnuts to another level. And yes, it sneaks in one of those easy herbs to grow – sage. Don’t have it in your kitchen garden? Well, what are you waiting for?

The wonderful thing about this recipe, besides ‘EASY’ and its sweet, savory nutty flavor is that it really is a cinch; perfect for a holiday party. Want to get everyone involved? Don’t buy your pasta - make your own. With a little extra elbow grease and aprons, you’ll get freshness oozing out of the kitchen and your guests feel involved but impressed. The apron could be a take away stocking stuffer for pasta maker participants to remember the evening.

So let’s end it with Torme and Wells’ famous music and lyrics dating back to 1946. “And so I'm offering this simple phrase, to kids from one to ninety-two, although it’s been said many times, many ways, a very Merry Christmas to you.”

Have fun in the kitchen and enjoy your holidays, too!

Recipe for Tagliatelle with Chestnuts, Pancetta, and Sage http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Tagliatelle-with-Chestnuts-Pancetta-and-Sage-231504

Images from the Internet

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

All is Quiet

Today, no talk just a thought. It’s a quote from John Tillotson and it’s a perfect one for this holiday season. “A good word is an easy obligation; but not to speak ill requires only our silence, which costs us nothing.”

Image of an Assisi Sunset by Greg Bilowz

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

An Invisible Garden Detail

With the clouds and the winds moving fast and furious this morning, it’s a good time to pull in a couple of archive posts that previously touched on the topic of microclimates. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2011/02/brain-freeze.html

http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2010/07/method-of-nature.html

For anyone considering the ‘where and what to plant’ decision in the garden, even if that shovel doesn’t hit the dirt until next spring, determining your property’s microclimate is a must-do task.

Unfortunately, this morning’s strong winds emphasize my bad luck with wind chimes. Big or small, these musical elements that I love to hang just don’t survive, despite where I locate them. So if you don’t want to keep replacing your plants, shrubs and trees like the wind chimes, consider taking a peek at your property’s microclimates. Like the words from ‘A Walk to Remember’ by Nicholas Sparks, “Love is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel it.” Pay attention to this invisible garden detail.

Pooh Image from the Internet
If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

Wordless Even After 70 Years

In honor of the 70^th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, a simple image in nature, where oneness and peace always remain and a quote by John Dryden. “He who would search for pearls must dive below” to remind us to find goodness in every day.

  

Image by Ann Bilowz

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

Where It All Starts

Caught up in the countdown to winter? Just in case you weren’t keeping tally, winter officially begins on December 22^nd. Still thinking gardens? Just in case you’re still tuned in, whether it’s flowers, veggies, fruit or green lawn that tickle your fancy, amateurs to the experienced understand good growing all starts with the right soil conditions. Remember last week’s post about testing your soil?  http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2011/12/garden-stocking-stuffer.html Well, what are you waiting for? Grab that baggie and gather that soil sample.

It’s worth repeating another important cultural practice as we countdown to winter, especially for those that grow a summer veggie garden. It’s one point mentioned repeatedly in my posts – no guesses yet? It’s rotating your crops. This simple exercise keeps your soil healthy and is the best way to keep those sprays and diseases to a minimum. Remember that good soil is where it all starts. So as the remnants of fall fade away and the winter countdown closes in, consider mapping out your garden for next spring’s sowing. Test your soil and make sure there’s a plan in place for rotating your crops. Gardening can be a cinch when you start with your soil. 

And if you really are counting down, remember these wise words from A. Cornelius Celsus as we ready ourselves to hibernate with our gardens.

“Live in rooms full of light
Avoid heavy food
Be moderate in the drinking of wine
Take massage, baths, exercise, and gymnastics
Fight insomnia with gentle rocking or the sound of running water
Change surroundings and take long journeys
Strictly avoid frightening ideas
Indulge in cheerful conversation and amusements
Listen to music.”

Post your favorite winter activity that keeps you healthy. The usual places to post are listed below.

Top Image from the Internet
Bottom Image of late fall garlic planting rotated to its new location by Ann Bilowz

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

Seeing Stars

Beautiful and glimmering, holiday twinkle is everywhere. This approaching winter season truly is a time of light. Whether you choose to decorate your home and outside landscape with white, multi-colored or large lit ornaments, extra sparkle can be seen on every street corner.

Of course this is the perfect time to use this season of light to embrace the silhouette of your landscape. Think design and structure even as we approach winter in our gardens. And don’t get so busy looking forward that you lose sight of the natural light; the crystal clear stars and moon above us. With cooler evening temperatures, the sky can be absolutely stunning. Thanks, Liz for pointing out how beautiful the stars can be at this time of year, even on a busy highway.

So I’ll wrap it up with a Mother Teresa quote that captures the essence of this holiday season. “We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.”

Image from the Internet

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

The Garden Stocking Stuffer

This is a Friday reminder that before your ground freezes up on you, it’s a good time to test your soil. Can’t get to it during the busy holiday season? Bag it up and put it aside for a winter project. Consider it a stocking stuffer for your garden. When one of those dreary January days come round, pull out the soil and test it yourself with a purchased kit or send it out for analysis.  

If you relentlessly till your clumps of dirt without knowing what is or isn’t in each particle, it turns into a lot of hard labor with little to no results. Dealing with plants, whether starting from seed, bare root, or a balled shrub or tree, it’s all alive. And when you are dealing with live material, like us, you need to plant it in good soil. It sounds basic but we tend to forget this simple principle. As Gunilla Norris reminds us in her excerpt about bare rooted roses, “The greatest longing is to leaf out.”

So while our gardens hibernate, we can keep the soul of it moving forward. I end with another excerpt from Gunilla Norris to remind everyone that whether our winter creeps in slow or harsh, use this time wisely and tend to what matters. “Acceptance of yourself as you are and others as they are is the true potting soil. All Growth starts there.”

Top Image of fork and trowel set from the Internet (Want to buy the set? Here’s the link)

http://www.grahamandgreen.co.uk/fork-trowel-set

Bottom Image of Rose by Ann Bilowz

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie

Tidbits to Kick off December

Tidbits to kick off December – the last month of the calendar year! Need something to calm you down? Start with flowers. Here’s an ideal Lavender variety to add to your plant collection.The Lavandula‘Blue Cushion' offers a tight mounding habit and extended flowering period, which makes this Blooms of Bressingham® plant a perfect choice for your garden, especially if you are a Lavender lover.

December is a grand time to start dreaming up your flower ideas and design thoughts. Waiting till spring can leave you scrambling for inspiration so write them in your garden journal during these colder months. Okay, so if that 25-day countdown makes it nearly impossible to breathe in the calming thoughts of planting Lavender, here’s a nifty link for a few thoughts on garden lovers’ stocking stuffers. http://rareseeds.com/blog/bakersville/baker-creek-gift-guide/  I’m expecting a copy any day of ‘The Heirloom Life Gardener’ for review. With a teaser tag line of ‘Growing your own food easily and naturally,’ I’m game. The word ‘easy’ usually grabs me.

But often the month of December isn’t easy. So make a special effort to decorate your home with all that nature provides us. Look in the woods, your backyard but stay away from toxic anything with small children and pets. Include some Lavender into your home to exude calmness. We all need it at this time of the year.

What December tidbits would you like to share? I really want to hear. So please post what makes your holidays magical and joyous or ask plant or design questions that aren’t quite clear. It’s all about making our homes, hearts and gardens better, especially as we ring in the holiday cheer.

Need a quote for today? Here’s a perfect one from Marie Huston. "The gardening season officially begins on January 1st, and ends on December 31." Spoken like a true gardener! Happy December.

Image from Blooms of Bressingham®

If you like this blog, remember to post and become a friend on our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/abilowz or follow me on twitter http://twitter.com/annbilowz (where there are even more shared tidbits) or subscribe on the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Questions, comments or thoughts, contact me direct at annbilowz@gmail.com Happy Gardening. Annie