Here are your monthly tips for January:

• Try to attend one of the Flower and Garden shows in your area to get some great ideas for your garden this Spring.

The 2009 New Jersey Flower and Garden Show
Dates:   February 12-15 2009
Place:    NJ Convention Center Edison NJ
Hours: 
Thursday        1pm – 9 pm
Friday             10 am – 9 pm
Saturday        10 am – 9 pm
Sunday         10 am – 6 pm

The 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show “Bella Italia”
Dates:   Sunday, March 1st through Sunday March 8
Place:    Pennsylvania Convention Center
                             12th and Arch Streets
                     Philadelphia, PA 19107-2299
Hours:
Sundays, March 1 and March 8:                              8 am to 6 pm
Monday through Friday March 2 to March 6:         10 am to 9:30 pm
Saturday:                                                                      8 am to 9:30 pm

• Rather than creating salt damage from your icy walks try using a less harsh ice melter like Magnesium Chloride.  It will not burn the plants like straight salt and is easier on the concrete as well.


• Shallow rooted perennials are susceptible to frost heaves (when we have freezes and thaws during warm spells).  Add a layer of mulch to your perennial bed when the ground is frozen.  This will help insulate the roots and also keep Winter weeds from taking hold.