MARCH MADNESS-2012

Living and working where the male: female ratio is approximately 3:1, I am well aware that we are at the height of college basketball’s March Madness. Buzz words and catch phrases like “bracketology”, “Sweet 16”, and “Final 4” resound from sports stations and enthusiasts everywhere.

In the Van Putte greenhouses this week, our buzz works have been “seedlings”, “transplanting”, “sunscreen”, and “shorts.” WHAT?! Shorts? In March? That is definitely March Madness!

The mercury has been climbing to unheard heights this spring. Forsythia is bursting, insects are getting active, and even dandelions have made their appearance.

With this unseasonably warm winter there are many unknowns. Will temperatures continue to rise and summer feel like we live in the south this year? Will the flowers be sharing their pollen when bees need it? Will mosquitoes carry us all off before June?

Some experts are concerned about this mild weather…I believe that all these “problems” will figure themselves out, and nature will eventually get itself back on track.

What I do know for certain is that people around me are LOVing this warm weather. My neighborhood woodwork has burst and is full of dog walkers, cyclists, and skateboarders. Anything that allows us to shake off the cabin fever cobwebs early and puts a smile on our faces can’t be all bad, right??

March Madness-Love it!!!

Happy Spring!

Written by Beth Warren

Thoughts of Maui in a Snow Storm

Ok, seems as winter doesn't want to let go. Ok, I can deal with that. It looks like a giant snow globe outside the window, with 3" of new snow in last hour or so. But fear not, let's think summer. Let's think Tropical.

Welcome, Maui Sunshine. One of Terra Nova new Coneflower (Echinacea) additions, this bright gold/yellow flowering plant has some size to it. The plant tends to be more upright, up to 3'+ tall and close in width. Good flower size and quantity. And thoughts of the sweet fragrance take me away from the winter blues.

Like all coneflowers, too much water will rot the roots, but otherwise, this seems to be a good one.