Picture Perfect QA

THE NEW YEAR MOVES ALONG

Janus, the Roman god of gates and doorways, beginnings and endings looks both backward and forward. How fitting that the first month of the year is named for him and that the tradition of taking stock of the year just ended and planning for the new year just beginning has carried forward all these millennia.

As we move into February, let's also be mindful of the present. What's happening in the gardens right now?

For starters, the Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’ are the current shining stars. Their variegated green and yellow leaves are like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy, grey day. A member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), they are the perfect Xeriscape plant: drought, heat, cold, and humidity tolerant, and low maintenance. And yes, the yucca is edible, though we ask that you please refrain from sampling any of the yucca in the gardens.

 In addition to what you can see above ground, there’s an amazing amount of action happening below the soil’s surface. Microorganisms and wiggly worms are doing what they do best: breaking down organic matter, creating a healthy and nourishing environment that will encourage beautiful blooms from the yucca, lavender, yarrow, geums and catmint come spring, summer, and fall. Do take an up-close look at the garden beds and see what else you can spy going on.

Of course, we can't resist taking a look ahead, wondering what Punxsutawney Phil will see when he appears on February 2nd.