This has been a terribly cold winter. I will be very happy when the weather starts to warm up and there are some signs of spring. Just about the beginning of February, I start to get a little anxious and stir crazy! The seed catalogues arrive daily in the mail and gardening magazines have started to fill the racks by the cash registers at the various grocery stores. The days are beginning to grow longer and I can't wait to see that first redwing blackbird of the season. If you are planning to start any seeds indoors, call for seed catalogues now. There are lots of great companies out there to choose from. The local garden centers usually have their seed racks in by now, too.

Another way to help pacify the winter blues is go to a flower show! The Philadelphia Flower Show and the New England Flower Show are both coming up in the beginning of March. A trip to either of these can certainly inspire you and hold you over until spring. I find that I walk away from these events feeling somewhat refreshed and inspired. Make sure you bring along a camera and a notebook, so that you can record all the wonderful plant combination that you would like to try in your own garden. I was in awe of all the creative ideas that were used in containers and window boxes.

I found this one especially intriguing with all the different textures and muted shades of turquoise. Even when this is not in flower, it is still eye catching. Do not feel that you are limited to the 'run-of-the-mill' annuals when it comes to gardening in containers. Many tropical or so-called houseplants make wonderful additions to planters for your summer displays, as do numerous perennials.

Well, I anxiously await the start of spring this year. The winter seems to have lasted forever and unfortunately, it is not over yet. I am planning a trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show next month and it is almost time to start propagating flower and vegetable seeds. One thing that has always been "a given", is the passing of time. Before I know it, my grow lights in the basement at home will be hovering over hundreds of little seedlings and the cold frames outside will be full up as well. Then the sun will begin warming the soil and I'll be planting the sugar snap peas again. Oh, happy day!!