Unlike other recent winters, there’s no snow on the ground this year to provide a protective blanket for perennials and recently-planted shrubs. As temperatures drop into the teens at night but rise into the 30s or higher during the day, the freezing and thawing cycle can push a plant out of the ground. Gently use the heel of your hand to press plants back to be flush to the soil.
Birds that choose to overwinter in New England do so because they can find sufficient food. Water, though, is harder; and even vernal pools can freeze up in February. You can do your avian friends a good turn by either purchasing and setting up an electrically heated water station, or frequently replenishing the water in your unheated bird bath placed in a sunny location.
Instead of flowers on Valentine’s Day, how about a gift certificate to your loved one’s favorite nursery? Valentine’s Day flowers have often been stored to be ‘stockpiled’ for the February 14th rush and are marked up substantially. A gift certificate will be remembered in April and May, long after flowers are faded. If a nursery gift certificate isn’t appropriate, how about a membership in a horticultural, environmental, or conservation organization?
