sparklin’ drops of spring, photo by Steve took it

Article by Cathy Bauer, Contact Center Manager

The weather down by the Lakeside is changing quickly.  Trees and flowers are blossoming and it is very clear that Spring is here, and Summer is in the not too distant future.  This time of year is always exciting.  Each day shows us new changes.  These changes are not just apparent in the weather or our gardens, but also in our lives.  It seems to me, as soon as the weather starts to improve that we also prepare for change.  Warm weather and daffodils, for me, also means a lot of family events.  Graduation invitations seem to start coming in as soon as the Spring showers start.  Graduation events seem to lead directly into Father’s Day and then we go right to Summer picnics.

These are annual events we all either look forward to or dread.  Luckily I have found a few items that help me prpare for graduation and Summer get togethers that will help simplify my shopping.  If you are like me with graduation celebrations, and family parties on your brain, why not try our Graduation Photo Album or Tassel Frame for only $4.95 or get ready for Father’s Day and Summer Picnics try our great BBQ Entertaining Necessities.

Hopefully you find the Lakeside Collection has the right gift idea or tool to help make your shopping simpler for these fun family events.

Photo by rAmmoRRison

Very shortly we will see the crocus, daffodil, and soon after tulips springing up from the dormant ground.  Spring is around the corner.  This will be the time to get back into the swing of things by working off those few extra pounds that seem to come from the winter months.  It is time to rake up the dead leaves and trim the dead growths around bushes and perennials.  What else can we do for beautiful flowers this spring, well I am not sure so I decided to consult our expert employee here at Lakeside, Elaine, for her top 3 tips for flowers.  She received these tips from her trustly source, Jerry Baker, America’s Master Gardener.

Tip #1:  Don’t plant your bulbs without babying them!  Dust them with medicated baby powder before planting, and the varmints will stay away.  This one simple step could save their lives.

Tip #2:  The best time to plant roses is very early in the spring.  Dormant roses will produce a large crop of flowers the first season if they are carefully planted.  Mound earth all over them until growth starts.

Tip #3:  Deer, chipmunks, mice and moles all hate daffodils, which are slightly toxic and unpalatable to them.  So to protect your tulips, hyacinths, and other delectable delights, interplant daffodil bulbs in and among them.

Thanks Elaine for the tips, anyone have any other helpful tips?