The weather in some parts of the country continues to be brutal. If frost and freeze warnings are continuing in your area, and you've already got plants in the garden, here are some tips to protect them.

First, just as a blanket will keep you warm, it will also keep your plants warm. Cover plants with a sheet, newspaper, or bucket. Make a tent using poles or some other kind of support and drape a blanket, sheet or even newspaper over it to keep the frost off of tender plants. Think about what you would use to keep warm... and use that.

Avoid using plastic coverings. Just like you wouldn't use plastic to keep you warm, plastic does little to protect plants against cold temperatures. Plastic can attract cold and may harm plants. Use Walls o' Water and hot caps to provide protection.

Water is something else to try. If you have access to irrigation water, set it to come on between 3-4am. This is the coldest time of the night. Let it run until the sun is up. If plants do show some signs of frost, wait a few days in order to give them time to recover before pulling them up.

Try FreezePruf, a new product that protects foliage and blossoms. FreezePruf is a topical spray that works both topically and systemically to improve a plants cold tolerance up to 9.4 degrees. It may be enough to get your garden through a cold snap. FreezePruf lasts up to 6 weeks, so one application should be all you need for the start of the season. Be aware, however, that you cannot apply FreezePruf right before the freeze and have it work well. In order for it to truly be effective, you need to apply it well in advance so that it has time to work through the system of the plant, as well as topically to protect it. In our experience, those who have done this have had the best results.

It's been a while since I've posted anything, but that's because we've been so busy getting ready for spring! The greenhouse is fairly bursting with color, all wrapped up and ready for Mother's Day. Even though it was snowing last Sunday and 38 degrees, we knew where Spring was!

Moms are special and sometimes there are many "moms" along the way. My own mom passed away when I was twelve and I had a lot of "other mothers" throughout my growing up years. Each year I spend Mother's Day morning watering among 700 roses in the garden center and call each of them to thank them for being such a big part of my life. They've all helped make me into who I am today.

Thank all of the Moms in your life this Sunday. Whether you give them flowers, take them to dinner, or just call or send a card, remember all they've done for you.

If you're looking for great gift ideas, we have them. Come into the garden center and personally look me up. I'll be happy to help you select the perfect gift for your special mom!