HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
JEAN LAIRD MASTER GARDENER

I thought I lived in town, but looking out my sliding glass doors today, I saw a beautiful doe with twin babies dashing across my backyard. Perhaps she is the culprit that ate all the leaves off my hibiscus plants (which is a delicacy for deer) this past summer.

The birds have been swarming my birdfeeders the past few days. Please keep your feeders filled to help the birds during our coldest weather. It will pay off in benefits, for birds are very helpful in your gardens.

Have you ever wondered how hummingbirds migrate? They are so small and delicate; I've always wondered how they could make the flight. Mack has answered my questions. He said when the time comes to migrate, the Hummingbirds watch the lakes for the geese to fly and land on the water. While the geese are contemplating their flight, the hummingbirds fly down and nestle in between their wings. When the geese leave on their journey, the hummingbirds are nestled in and enjoy hitching a ride to warmer climates. I had never heard that before now, have you? Soon they will be hitching a ride back, and I will be happy to see them.

Here are a few hints to keep you busy during these cold, rainy days:

It is a good idea to clean, oil and sharpen your mower blades for the coming season, if you haven't already done this chore.

Review your last season's notes to help plan successful spring plants.

Scan your new catalogs and magazines for ideas and new plants for this area.

Order seeds and supplies. It is a good time to order your caladium bulbs.

Test your soil to determine the need for lime or fertilizer. Most plants like an acid fertilizer. Consult your horticulturist at the garden stores.

There is a time to sow and a time to reap, and spring will arrive here much earlier than in Maine. The proper time for gardeners to begin their work varies according to the climate and the plants they choose. This year try some new plants and keep a record to see if you are successful. Each year they are discovering new plants that will grow in our area. I will try to keep you updated on the new flowers and shrubs you can plants here in East Texas.

On these cold, frigid days, sit back, check your garden tools, check your garden notes from the past year, make your plans and enjoy the season. Be sure it will change soon.

The Happy Gardener

We come from the earth, we return to the earth, and in between, we garden. Unknown