Never heard of that problem. We get cakes with red pepper imbedded to keep the squirrels away from it.

It was from a meat case so just un adorned.I hung it near the feeder that was visited by chickadees,titmice and nuthatches,perhaps they dont care for suet.

The titmice like ours, of course there are seeds imbedded in it.

I cant believe it will take 6 months

*Groan....*

I know, right?! That's one of the reasons I grow some new flowering plants from seed every year...it gives me something to putter around with while waiting.

I'm already anticipating seeing my gift hellebore blooming through the snow! It's my first, can you tell?

You will be so enchanted.They come even before the crocus.Trouble is the flowers down face and its hard to pix them.

I consider new plants at this time of year.It makes me go thru the image files of gardens from last year to see where I can wedge something new in.

ge1836 said:I consider new plants at this time of year.It makes me go thru the image files of gardens from last year to see where I can wedge something new in.

That sounds enjoyable. I really like the combos you come up with!


I generally just tuck plants in wherever there's a tough weed that needs to come out. I'm not much of a scheme planner; about all I plan for is light, soil and moisture requirements.

I have gardened since I was little and my grandmother showed me how to plant beans in a little plot.
I didnt know jack about it until 6 years ago when I found better gardeners on the web.
I just planted what I liked and was pleased.All plants are beautiful no matter where they are.
I wanted lots of plants in what space there was here so I needed to plan.Bloom season is a concept I just became aware of.It makes a difference if you want certain colors to bloom together. duhhhhh.

ge1836 said:Bloom season is a concept I just became aware of.It makes a difference if you want certain colors to bloom together. duhhhhh.

I haven't really even got that far yet. So far, I'm happy if I have something (or several somethings ) blooming or even just looking good at any given time. I added a heaping helping of different spring blooming varieties last year, so this year I'll be trying to incorporate more late summer bloomers.

I am on an exercise kick to loose some weight. I started in December. On December 10th. So far I have lost five pounds and also gained muscle, not just lost weight. I have a Gizelle Edge Fitness Glider machine and use that for 40 minutes each day. Then I alternate free weights one day with using the stepper machine. So the Gizelle each day then weights (very light ones) one day and stepper the next, then weights, then stepper and so on). I have a long way to go as I need to loose lots more pounds. But at least I am doing something.

You would think taking care of my garden and all that work would be enough to keep me in shape. Apparently not as each winter I add more pounds than I am able to get off come summertime. So the weight keeps creeping up. Time to face the issue and do something about it!

But you're not gardening in the winter.

Yes, the winter sitting on the couch and waiting for spring definately has to end. And I really, really must loose some weight. Plus I think I will be in much better shape for spring gardening with my indoor exercises.

I love hellebores too. If you have a wing wall going into a basement it is a good place to see the little downward facing blooms.

There is a type which faces 'out', but not too helpful as I forget what it is called.

Me too :(

Royal Heritage is my named one above. I have a greenish one that was gifted to me yr ago unnamed.

I just include my thumb in the picture.Gardeners understand.

snow crocus will be our first plants. they were surrounding a pink cupped daffodil which has disappeared. I wonder if those are less hardy than the 'regular' daffs.

I forgot about my snow crocus.It is the first.
I had Bellsong daff a mini daff but it has petered out over the past 5 years and just not increased like I had hoped.
I love the mini daffs .I plant them around the lilies.
Bellsong this is a file pix.Mine never looked like this

Our best daffs line the stone wall along the road. big favorite with joggers. I must find the photo & see if I can scan it. It would be quite a search, however. the only flower photos are our iris seedlings & introductions.