image from libreshot.com Good morning, and welcome back winter weather. 5F ( -15C) at 8:45 AM this morning. High today of 22F( -5 C) We had 50F(10 C) this weekend, so all got used to it being warmer. Looks like this will be the next 10 days more seasonable. Stay warm, stay safe.
Australia family and friends: Extreme heat is their alert. The temperature for Feb 5 is at 74F(22C) and rising all week for Friday to have 88F(31C). nights are at 61F(16C). Stay cool, stay safe It has been brought to my attention that Goggle Maps has Larry’s Garage permanently closed. You all know that isn’t true. Goggle tracks activity on social media to determine this. I post about the greenhouse, but I don’t post about the shop. I will talk about Larry on the radio show. Now I will start adding things about Larry’s Garage. He has just crossed his 50th year anniversary of opening the shop. We plan to be here. As long as we can work, we will both being doing this…the shop and the greenhouse. WE both do enjoy helping people, and really what else would we do. It brings people to us, 7and we do enjoy that. I should have suggested to you to do this when it was warmer out. But interesting idea give it a try when you are outside. JUST LOOK AROUND> Landscaping in Winter by Robin Sweetser It’s winter, the dormant season. Plant and tree growth has slowed to a crawl or stopped completely. This is the perfect time to try out a winter landscaping exercise we’ll call the “Four Directions” or “Four Winds.” In Native American culture (Lakota), people would pray by calling on the spirits of the four cardinal directions—South, West, North, and East. Called the “Four Winds,” these four directions were honored as part of the circle of life. This exercise seems especially fitting in the new year. If you have a yard or garden (or, even if you do not), go outside and face each direction in turn, concentrating on what is special about each aspect. Why is the snow deeper in one area than in another? Each direction has its own qualities. The North The north is often associated with cold, harsh winds of the winter season. However, the winds are also cleansing, just as they clear the dead leaves from trees to start again. This direction also speaks to ideas and seeds waiting to germinate. So, the north symbolizes patience, endurance, thankfulness, and trust. The north side of your yard is a perfect place to plant a double row of sheltering evergreens to block the wind. Since the north is also the direction of contemplation, it would be a good spot for a meditative Zen garden or sculpture garden. Quiet colors like white, cream, and silver represent the north. The East East is the direction of springtime, awakening, and new life. It’s the direction from which the Sun comes as dawn breaks and light spreads over the earth. It can be symbolic of rejuvenation, healing and communication. This is the beginning of a new day. Light helps us see things the way they really are. On a deeper level, east stands for the wisdom of helping people live good lives. Traditionally, people would rise in the morning and pray facing the dawn, asking God for wisdom. Morning light is good for growth, so look for trees that block the morning sun from reaching your garden and prune or remove them altogether. Most perennials thrive where there is morning sun. East-facing gates are welcoming, and the east side of the yard is also a good place to locate a bench or hammock to spark creative daydreams. Plants with gold or yellow flowers and foliage represent the east. The South South reminds us of warmth, growth, fulfillment, and passion. The Sun is at its highest and drawing life from the Earth. The southern direction also symbolizes faith, change, self-sufficiency, and strength. A south-facing slope is ideal for a vegetable garden, a large open field, or a flower garden. Plant a border of hot colors in a south-facing garden or locate a fire pit or barbecue there. Triangular shapes can take the place of real fire, so you can use a triangular-shaped sculpture or even a three-sided stone to represent fire. Plants with purple or blue flowers contrast with the hot-colored flowers and calm the heat. The West Weather most often moves west to east in North America. To Native Americans, the great Thunderbird lived in the west and sent thunder and rain from its direction. As water is associated with the west, that makes it a good place for a small pond, fountain, or other water feature. Rich reds and oranges echo the colors of sunset in a west-facing garden. The west also symbolizes the end of the day, where the Sun sets. It symbolizes travel, the attaining of goals, and of compassion. It is also a social direction that encourages fellowship. A west-facing patio, shaded by deciduous trees, is a perfect spot for gathering with others at the end of the day. To chart the progress of your garden throughout the year, snap a picture looking in each direction on the first of every month. You’ll be surprised at the transformation as the seasons change. Taken from https://www.almanac.com/winter-landscaping-tune-four-winds Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337 cell 641-903-9365 Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse
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AuthorHi! My name is Becky and I am a Master Gardener. I own Becky's Greenhouse in Dougherty, Iowa. Archives
January 2025
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