Maybe you think of poinsettias as just Christmas flowers. Mine are still blooming away. Last year they lasted clear into March. The “secret” if such it can be called is moisture, light and not too much dry heat. In case you missed the article on carrying poinsettias over from year to year; when they stop blooming, lay them on their sides in a cool, dark place.

Let them dry out, but spray the branches occasionally to keep them from completely withering. Bury pot up to rim in partial shade outdoors when weather is thoroughly warm. Water them regularly. Bring in before nights get too cool and give plenty of light. If you wish additional plants, by July you can take cuttings 3 to 5 inches long and root them.

The days are getting longer now, but there are still possibilities for some good snows. Yes, I said “good” snows. Folks travel clear to the Alps for snowy scenic splendor. But here is our own “do it yourself” travelog setting: it is five oclock in the morning. Inside lights are out, but the garden spotlight in the gable is turned on. Sit in your favorite chair in front of the window sipping HOT coffee. Large, fluffy, fast-falling flakes of snow float, flit and swirl in an ever-changing pattern.

It may sound silly especially at that hour but it is breathtakingly beautiful. When a youngster, I was always thrilled with snow. It meant sledding and rabbit hunting. Later when I had to get out in it I lost all taste for the stuff. Now when I sit on the inside looking out I realize its beauty.

You never realize how many animal visitors you have about the place until you examine the tracks in the fresh snow. The other morning I was looking out, and up hopped a bunny, stood up on his hind legs and sniffed the azalea twigs.

They evidently werent just to his liking at that time. If he doesnt watch his hop” and curb his appetite he is likely to die a sudden death from an acute attack of shotgunitis.

Last summer after beans and peas disappeared, that is what happened to his brethren. Our neighbor across the back yard to the north, I guess, is a hardier soul than I. At least he is out in the snow, with his shovel, turning his compost pile and working on plant poinsettias for Christmas. Planting poinsettias – a worthy project, but it sets a rather bad example for the rest of us fireplace snugglers.

I did take some snacks out to the bird feeder a while ago. The cardinal and the mocking bird said “thanks. Oops! Did I forget to put more water out? That means a compliant from the feathered management. My conscience feels better now. I see that the compost turning job across the way has been abandoned. Really, I can accomplish so much more today by getting off some orders for seeds and shrubs that I should have ordered last month.