This time of year, leaves get a lot of attention. First, we all enjoy the brilliant colors that fill the landscape as the nights get cooler. Later, we don't enjoy the tasks of cleaning them up as they drop on our lawns and fill the streets and gutters. So, what are we to do? Back when I was growing up, all we had was a rake. Now, you not only have rakes, but you also have blowers, blower/vacuums and shredders. Well, as it turns out, none of those are the best thing for you, your lawn, or the environment.

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On average, the time between an engagement and the wedding is about 15 months. It seems like a long ways off. Right? It's amazing how much gets left to the last minute, even with meticulous planners. With today's economy, more couples are trying to find ways to limit their wedding budget and you have every right to. You need to get educated very quickly on how to plan and budget successfully for your wedding.

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As I am out dealing with 'weeds', I often wonder about what I'm really doing. After all, a plant is a weed only by circumstance. And, what compels me to do what I do? I yank one plant out by the roots, yet gently nestle another in nearby.

I realize plants grow in places we don't want them to. And - they won't grow where we do want them to. They grow in places we don't expect them to. And they've grown without us doting over them and bringing them water and food. All of this leads to a very difficult question to answer - Why does it matter? Why do we garden?

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How's everybody doing today? Anybody see any talking lions, scarecrows, tin men or flying monkeys?

Last night we got some wicked hail here in the Twin Cities - in Eagan, we got over 1" of rain and after the hail stopped, most of the ground was completely white. This morning, I still had a pile of hail on the deck that hadn't melted, yet. Today, it was time to clean up.

Check for impending danger!

If you have trees or overhead power lines near your property, make sure you start by looking up. There may still be branches that haven't fallen completely and could land on you, a family member or a neighbor. Or, a tree trunk may be split and it will only be a matter of time before it topples over. Clear the area of any potential danger before proceeding with any other clean up effort.

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Today I noticed our lilies are starting to sprout. These are lilies we received (yes, even florists and gardeners get plants and flower arrangements as gifts) and then planted around our yard.

Trivia question: When do Easter lilies bloom?

Well, that's a bit of a trick question! Normally, lilies will bloom in mid-summer. The lily plants you see blooming at Easter have been forced to bloom at that time by exposing them to 1,000 hours (42 days) of moist cold temperatures and then warming them up to 60 - 70 F, causing them to sprout and then bloom. Once they sprout, it is about 40 - 45 days before they bloom, at least in our yard here in Eagan MN (between USDA hardiness zones 4 and 5)

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