Gardening Books

Books on gardening can inspire us and provide us with useful information. Even with so much available online, I still refer to certain books often. I depend on Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials by E. Phillips and C. Burrell. Next to photos in the book, I write notes on when and where I've planted a particular species. If you don't keep a garden log, perhaps you'll find it easier to jot down notes in a gardening book.

Another reference book is Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Flower Gardening. There are also guides available for vegetable gardening, flower arranging and many other topics. Some books contain many photos of beautiful gardens in this country and around the world. The library also has many books on the practical aspects of gardening. So during these cold winter months, I hope you'll pick up a book or two and dream about the start of gardening season.

-MJ

Nature Happenings - January 2016

January 2016

January 3

From a dark location, after midnight, observe the Quadrantids meteor shower—now at its peak with up to 40 shooting stars per hour.

January 5

In graceful contrast with the white snow, golden curled beech leaves still cling to branches. This deciduous tree does not shed its leaves until well into the winter season.

January 12

Springtails, also known as snow fleas, look like peppery specks on the white snow-covered ground. On warming days watch for them springing from here to there at the bases of trees and among the leaf litter.

January 17

Fragrant green-gray waxy bayberries persist in clusters on scrubby branches. Year-round yellow-rumped warblers, red-bellied woodpeckers, and black-capped chickadees favor the berries and thrive on their high fat content.

January 24

Full moon. The Wolf Moon (Native American).

January 30

Breeding season for great horned owls begins about this time. Juniper, beech, and pine are all favored trees for nests. Pairs may roost together near their chosen site before the female lays eggs, which hatch in just over a month.

Excerpt taken from Mass Audubon's Outdoor Almanac.