Many are writing about the winter garden -- how it looks in its different colors or how the snow and ice may touch the leaves or pods left behind. Others will write how the indoor container garden was planted and how it has given them much joy in the winter months -- not only in the herb produce, but also in color and fragrance.

For me, the winter garden is all in my mind -- what I will plant and where. It’s a daydream of a spring day when it is all coming up and knowing they all made it or maybe a little sad that some did not. Alternatively, it’s the summer day that is hot; but the different insects (like bumble bees) love it, and the garden is buzzing with activity.

I have been getting the seed catalogs, and what beautiful plants! In the magazine called “Gardening How To,” they listed 200 new plants for this spring.  I really had plans to plant more flowers, especially perennials. Then, I got my herb catalogs today, and I need to plant so many more of them. I have also received my Herb Companion.  Of course, there are several articles on all the different things to plant.

However, I do come down to earth and look at the garden in a realistic way. There are what I consider to be trouble spots. These spots are either too dry, too sandy, or too shady. Therefore, I am taking each spot and rethinking it.  I’m searching for plants that would do better. I have at least three such spots.  One spot is close to the road and is very sandy. I have wild flowers in it now; anyway, that is what is supposed to be there. The sandburs love it, and I hate to work in it because of them. Plants such as the Blue Flax or the Butterfly Weed would look great. Other possibilities are Candytuft, Gay Feather, Perennial Lupine, or Scarlet Sage. That spot would, then, be in a range of blue, pinks and lavender with some yellow and orange thrown in. Now, that would not be bad.  Don’t you think?

Spot number two is close to the house, and I just have not gotten it right yet. I moved the barnyard in here last year, but I do not care for it.  There, the animals cannot be seen as well. I mean, the herds are not seen as well. I thought what I would do here is take many of the plants that need thinned out or divided and put them here to pack it full.

Number three spot is where the barnyard was originally. I am thinking of pulling it forward more into the yard, then planting tall bold plants behind it -- the Hollyhocks, Sunflowers, and Sweet Annie.  The number one thing that probably has me worried is the lack of rain now and the promise of more of the same as the summer months come.

As I was looking over a garden supply catalog, I noticed the polymer crystals. Is this the answer to a problem? I think I will try them.  By this time next year, I will know if it is a wise investment.

As nice as the weather has been, a person could start this project now, right?  

Flu and cold season is here and there are many herbs that help. One of these herbs is Horehound -- a plant that needs thinned out this year.  An interesting plant, it has dark lavender flowers in late summer, which are easy to dry and retain their color. They are great in a dried winter arrangement.   This plant has been around for thousands of years and has been much valued as a cough remedy. Hypocrites and other physicians down the ages have also held this herb in high esteem as a cure for many ills.

It is recommended to chop nine small leaves, combine them with raw honey, and chew slowly to relieve a cough and sore throat.

Another herb that is popular in the garden is Echinacea. Taking this at the onset of a cold or flu will help a person’s immune system. 

Taking these will certainly help; but probably the biggest deterrent of a cold or flu is clean hands. Washing your hands frequently will be a big help in stopping the spread of the cold or flu.  It will help not only yourself, but also others.

Until next time, may your dreams bloom with the color of spring.