National Pancake Week (First week in March)
National Frozen Food Month
National Nutrition Month
National Peanut Month
St. Patrick’s Day
National Soft Pretzel Month
National Soy foods Month
National Celery Month
National Flour Month
National Noodle Month
National Sauce Month
National Caffeine Awareness Month

March 1 is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day

March 1 is National Fruit Compote Day

March 2 is National Banana Creme Pie Day

March 3 is National Cold Cuts Day

March 3 is National Mulled Wine Day

March 4 is National Pound Cake Day

March 5 is National Cheese Doodle Day

March 5 is National Absinthe Day

March 6 is National Frozen Food Day

March 6 is National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day

March 7 is National Crown Roast Of Pork Day

March 7 is  National Cereal Day

March 8 is National Peanut ClusterDay

March 9 is National Crabmeat Day

March 10 is National BlueberryPopover Day Pack Your Lunch Day

March 11 is Oatmeal-Nut Waffles Day

March 12 is National Baked Scallops Day

March 13 is Coconut Torte Day

March 14 is National Potato Chip Day

March 14 is Pi Day in Math Circles; Bake A Pie In Solidarity

March 15 is National Pears Helene Day (with Chocolate Sauce & Brandy)

March 15 is Ag Day, Celebrating Our Bountiful Food Supply

March 16 is National Artichoke Hearts Day

March 17 is Corned Beef And Cabbage Day

March 18 is Oatmeal Cookie Day

March 19 is Poultry Day

March 19 is National Chocolate Caramel Day

March 20 is Bock Beer Day

March 20 is National Ravioli Day

March 21 is California Strawberry Day

March 21 is National French Bread Day

March 22 is Coq Au Vin Day

March 22 is National Water Day

March 23 is National Chip and Dip Day

March 23 is National Melba Toast Day

March 24 is National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day

March 25 is National Lobster Newburg Day

March 25 is National Pecan Day

March 25 is National Waffle Day

March 26 is Make-Up Your Own Holiday Day (I chosen Eat What You Want and NOT Gain Weight DAY)

March 26 is Spinach Day

March 27 is National Spanish Paella Day

March 28 is Something On A Stick Day

March 28 is National Black Forest Cake Day

March 29 is National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day

March 30 is Turkey Neck Soup Day

March 31 is Tater Day

March31 is National Clams On The Half Shell Day

March 31 is Oranges and LemonsDay

February is 

Canned Food Month
Celebration of chocolate month
Potato Loves’s Month
Sweet Potato Month
National Cherry Month
National Snack Food Month
Great American Pies Month
National Grapefruit Month
National Potato Lovers Month
National Hot Breakfast Month
North Carolina Sweet Potato Month
Berry Fresh in the Sunshine State Month
Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month

February 1 is National Baked Alaska Day

February 2 is Heavenly Hash Day

February 2 is Crepes Day (france)

February 3 is Carrot Cake Day

February 4 is Homemade Soup Day

February 4 is National Stuffed Mushroom Day

February 5 is National Chocolate Fondue Day

February 6 is National Frozen Yogurt Day

February 6 is Nutella Day

February 7 is National Fettucine Alfredo Day

February 8 is National Molasses Bar Day

February 9 is National Bagels and Lox Day

February 9 is Pizza Pie Day

February 10 is National Cream Cheese Brownie Day

February 11 is National Peppermint Patty Day

February 11 is Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day

February 12 is National Plum Pudding Day

February 13 is National Tortini Day

February 14 is National Cream Filled Chocolates Day

February 15 is International Gumdrop Day

February 16 is National Almond Day

February 17 is National Cafe Au Lait Day

February 17 is National Indian Pudding Day

February 18 is National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day

February 18 is Drink Wine Day

February 19 is National Chocolate Mint Day

February 20 is National Cherry Pie Day

February 21 is National Sticky Bun Day

February 22 is National Margarita Day

February 23 is National Banana Bread Day

February 23 is Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day

February 24 is National Tortilla Chip Day

February 25 is National Clam Chowder Day

February 25 is National Chocolate Covered Peanuts Day

February 26 is National Pistachio Day

February 26 is National Chili Day

February 27 is National Kahlua Day

February 27 is National Strawberry Day

February 28 is National Chocolate Souffle Day

National Thank You Month
Oatmeal Month
Hobby Month
Hot Tea Month
Soup Month
Bread Machine
Candy Month
Egg Month
Meat Month
Wheat Bread Month
Prune Breakfast Month

January 1 -  National Bloody Mary Day

January 2 – National Cream Puff Day

January 3 – National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day

January 4 – National Spaghetti Day

January 5 – National Whipped Cream Day

January 6 – National Shortbread Day

January 6 – National Bean Day

January 7 – National Tempura Day

January 7 – Fruitcake Toss Day

January 8 – National English Toffee Day

January 9 – National Apricot Day

January 10 – National Bittersweet Chocolate Day

January 11 – National Hot Toddy Day

January 12 – National Marzipan Day

January 13 – National Peach Melba Day

January 14 – National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day

January 15 – National Strawberry Ice Cream Day

January 15 – National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day

January 16 – National Fig Newton Day

January 17 – National Hot Buttered Rum Day

January 18 – National Peking Duck Day

January 19 – National Popcorn Day

January 20 – National Buttercrunch Day

January 21 – National Granola Bar Day

January 22 – National Blonde Brownie Day

January 23 – National Rhubarb Pie Day

January 23 – National Pie Day

January 24 – National Peanut Butter Day

January 25 – National Irish Coffee Day

January 26 – National Peanut Brittle Day

January 27 – National Chocolate Cake Day

January 28 – National Blueberry Pancake Day

January 29 – National Corn Chip Day

January 30 – National Croissant Day

January 31 – National Brandy Alexander Day

Chrysanthemums, otherwise knows as mums, add a splash of color to any garden during the cooler months of fall. Their blossoms come in a wide range of colors, from the brightest of yellows to deep reds and purples, and even pale pink. When other plants are beginning to draw within for fall and winter, the final burst of color from a mum compliments the rich golds and oranges of other fall foliage and lifts the spirits of any garden dweller. I, myself, have always made sure to have at least one or two corners of my garden designated for mums just for that reason.

September through Novemeber is when garden mums are in their glory, but late summer is when they actually begin to flower. Cooling night temperatures and extended hours of darkness are what call forth the blooms of the mum, which typically last from 3 to 6 weeks.

The plant itself ranges in size and shape from small tight mounds which are perfect to dot around the landscape like little pillars of radiant color, to taller, leggier plants which are more majestic in stature but often need to be staked to avoid toppling over.
Mums are not very particular about the type of soil they prefer, but they should have good drainage because of their relatively shallow root system. In poorly drained soils, soil-borne diseases may injure many plants during wet summer periods.

I suggest fertilizing your mums 4 weeks after planting and later again in the season if they are not growing vigorously. However, keep in mind that excessive fertilizer can cause leggy growth and fewer flowers. Mums develop best when they receive full sun all day, as plants grown in shady locations tend to grow tall and leggy as well, have weaker stems and smaller flowers, and bloom later in the fall.

If your goal is to treat your mum as a perennial, special attention must be paid to the foliage and roots to help ensure the plant’s survival through the harsh winter months. New shoots must be pinched during the spring and summer to help the plant grow laterally and concentrate the plant’s energy in the branches making it sturdier and more compact. Cover the crown of the plant with a thick layer of cover mulch, and make sure that any depressions that might collect water are leveled off as death to the plant is likely if water stands around crowns during occasional winter thaws.

Some varieties grow well year after year without re-setting. Others should be divided and re-planted every year to maintain strength. On the average, re-setting plants every other year is a good practice, and expect your garden mums to last 3 to 4 years maximum before they will need to be renovated. By separating the clump into two root balls and re-planting the new plant in a separate space, you can expect the beautiful bright flowers of the mum to enliven your garden for years to come.

Marvelous Marigolds

When the weather gets chilly and the garden seems to have lost its color there is a flower that can brighten up the garden, the marigold.  Marigolds love the cooler weather; they are hardy, cheerful and pretty so how could they not be our flower of the month for October

Marigolds are an annual plant so they are perfect for filling in areas in the garden that have lost the pizzazz of summer; they also look great in containers and window boxes.  There are two genera of marigold:  Tagetes and Celendula.  African marigolds and French marigolds are part of the genus Tagetes and the very popular pot marigolds are part of the genus Calendula.

Marigolds come many different colors but they are they are most commonly known for their signature fall colors of yellow and orange.  They are not known for their scent as it is a strong and quite unpleasant but it does keep away some critters and pests which can prove very useful.

Marigolds can be grown in the coldest of climates and are very resilient despite their delicate petals; this makes them a great fall flower and a popular pick for many gardeners. They like full sun and do best in well drained soil; mulching around the base of the plant will help it to retain moisture and protect the roots from heavy frosts.  In some warmer regions the marigold can bloom well into the winter, what a lovely cold weather treat.

Like Mums, that other fall favorite, they look good in mass plantings or scattered about in pots on the patio or front doorstep adding cheer and color wherever they grow.  French marigolds are gorgeous flowers with multicolored petals; there autumnal hues look as if they have been painted.  African marigolds are very common and equally lovely, their orange and yellow blooms are a joyful sight and they are the most popular member of all the marigold family.

Marigolds are marvelous and they are a wonderful way to brighten up fall by adding a splash of color to an autumn landscape.

Poppy Power

Augusts’ flower of the month is the poppy and this cheerful, colorful bloom is always a delight to behold as its delicate, wide petals are a joyful symbol of summer.  

Poppies are considered a wild flower but they look enchanting in the back yard and are easily propagated in any garden. Poppies are members of the Poppy family and it has a wide variety of relatives, although the red poppy is its most famous family member. There is the yellow poppy (sometimes called the California poppy,) the oriental poppy, the field poppy, the prickly poppy and the pygmy poppy to name but a few of this diverse bloom.

Poppy blossoms do not last long but they are so enchanting that the spell they cast in any garden, although brief, is dazzling.  It is best to plant poppies in the fall or if you live in a milder climate and have warmer winters, planting in early winter is also a possibility.  When planting simply scatter the seeds on top of the soil in the flowerbed and water lightly.  When they become seedlings it is best to separate them and give them space to grow about four inches apart.  Keep the soil most but do not over water as poppies can thrive in very hot temperatures. Poppies are very low maintenance and thrive with little attention, making them a gardener’s dream.

However, due to their short blooming period it is best to plant others flowers with them to keep the garden alive with color and fullness during the summer season. So get some poppy power and your garden will be filled with color and joy, that’s pretty powerful stuff.

Wonderful Water lilies

  Water Lilies are exquisite flowers and as they are the flower of the month for July that makes this month an exquisite one. There has always been something magical about water lilies, they have been painted, famously by Monet, written about and photographed extensively. The mystique that surrounds them is due in part to their ability to grow in mud and muck and yet their flowers and leaves float effortlessly on the top of the water, quite an amazing task.  Nature is full of miracles and the water lily captures our imagination because its ability to thrive in difficult environments is miraculous. Water lilies are part of the Nymphaeceae family of aquatic flowering plants and they can be found in freshwater environments in tropical climates worldwide.  There are about seventy known species of water lily and for such an exotic plant they are surprisingly easy to grow in any water feature that you have in your garden.   

Growing these lovelies will add grace and beauty to your backyard but bear in mind there are two types of water lily, one is the tropical variety and they need the water temperature to be at 70 degrees for them to survive, but there is a hardier variety and they happily grow in cooler climates, yet they only bloom during the day unlike their tropical cousins that bloom both day and night. So here is how to grow hardy lilies and achieve great success:

1.  Plant the lilies in a basket with ample space for growth, about twelve to twenty inches is a good size.  Ensure that the soil does not run out if the basket has drainage holes by lining it with landscape fabric or simply a piece of burlap.
2.  You need to use a heavy topsoil for planting as potting mix is not dense enough to  stay put when the basket is placed beneath the water’s surface.
3. You must fertilize the soil or the water lilies will not thrive, use a fertilizer that is specifically for made for flowering aquatic plants.
4. Cover the top of the soil with gravel or pebbles to keep the soil in place taking care not to damage the lily tuber.  Point the end of the lily tuber towards the center of the basket.
5. Put the basket in the water carefully and submerge it to about 18 inches, the usual requirement for most lilies.
6. In the fall remove the basket from the pond if you live in a colder climate and cover the water lilies and store them over the winter season.  In the spring get rid of any dead leaves and re-submerge the basket for another season of beauty.

Water lilies will add mystique and grace to any garden, reminding us that beauty can grow anywhere, now that that’s wonderful.