IS IT SPRING YET?
 

Well, no, not quite yet.

As usual, the Pacific Northwest likes to tease us at the beginning of the year and then surprise us with a late season frost (or snow). What can we do to combat the winter doldrums? Many things!

• Buy some seeds. Although you can't yet plant them outside, it's good to plan and dream!
• Go to a garden show. The NW Flower and Garden show runs from February 15-19. Not only can you get ideas, there are also helpful classes and a section where you can buy wares. We sell tickets.
• Add some spring color. You can find primroses, winter pansies, flowering bulbs, and more right now.
• Add some spring smells. Sarcococca is in, and soon will be filling the air with perfume. Witch hazel and other fragrant winter plants will be coming in soon.
• Plan your edible garden and buy your fruit. Our fruit trees are in, and other fruit will be here soon. Here's a list of the fruit tree varieties that we have this year. Note that this is not a live inventory.

FEED THE BIRDS
 

Our feathered friends are pretty good at finding food most of the year. Winter can be challenging however, especially when the ground is covered in snow and seed sources are unavailable. Here are a few tips for feeding the birds during the winter.

• Place your bird feeders in areas that are safe from predators, but ensure that you can view them from your window so you can enjoy the birds!
• We carry a variety of different seeds that attract a variety of different birds. Don't feed the birds human food. It's generally not safe.
• It's vitally important that you keep your bird feeder free from mold and disease. Clean or wipe down your bird feeder with a dilute bleach solution every few weeks. Discard soggy, moldy, or sprouting seeds.
• When you come in for bird seed, note the birds that are currently around your house. That will help determine what kind of seed to get.

HOUSEPLANTS DURING THE WINTER

Although it's grey and dark outside, you can make your indoors bright and colorful with houseplants! With shorter, cooler days, less light, and less humidity, make sure your houseplants are comfy and happy during the winter.

• Houseplants need less water during the winter, as they grow slower during the shorter days. Slower growth also means that houseplants need little to no fertilizer during the cold months. If you have flowering houseplants, you can give them a little boost of fertilizer though.
• You may need to add a grow light or move some of your plants to a brighter location. Or move some away from spots that were warm during the summer but cool in the winter.
• You may also need to add a humidifier as the indoor air is pretty dry during the winter.
• Oh yes, don't forget to buy some new plants to give your existing houseplants some company. We are continuing to bring in new houseplants almost every week. Check our Facebook or Instagram accounts to see some of the cool things that Lisa finds each week!