New Beginnings

The theme in this post is "new beginnings" and I have many new adventures ahead, plus old ones to resume this year.  January is a time to start new projects.  For gardeners, it is a time to plant seeds for vegetables, herbs and flowers that will be transplanted to the garden when it warms up.

Did you know that besides putting on a lovely show, after the roses have faded, that the rose hips contain the seeds of the rose? They are also filled with vitamin C and make a delicious tea.

Rose Hip by JAM_Design

Here in the south, nature lovers begin to search the landscape for new buds and signs of spring and photographers take pictures of the winter visitors among the budding trees.  The Taiwan Cherry tree flowers begin to show color in late January and by February are in full bloom. 

Winter Pine Warbler by naturegirl7

Those of us with bluebird trails are checking boxes for damage and cleaning out any debris from winter visitors. Some houses will need to be repaired and some may need to be replaced. The bluebirds have already been checking out some of our houses here in Louisiana.

Here are some products that gardeners and bird lovers may find useful.