Ugh! That about summarizes this economy. What’s a person to do? Relieve stress by connecting to flowers and plants--the original “green” things! Here are some simple tips:

Buy some herbs

Even a couple of small pots can brighten your day. Rub your fingers through them anytime for a “pick me up.” Suggestions: basil, rosemary, any mint, thyme. Or your favorite. Use in cooking too!

Enjoy houseplants

Select a blooming plant or a houseplant for your desk or an area where you spend a lot of time. Even before its warm enough to plant outside, there are indoor plants to be found. Or create a terrarium.

Get some seeds

…and grow a couple pots of anything. Honestly, just watching a green sprout of anything poking its head out of the soil is fun. Don’t overdo it. Even a small little plastic microwave meal tray can hold a few seeds. Get one pack of seeds and a small bag of soil. (Use fresh soil; save the rest of the bag for your spring containers.) Follow the instructions on the seed pack. The main ideas are: plenty of light and moderation in watering.

Dry some flowers

Check out details on line, but basically put them between layers of paper towels and leave between the pages in a weighted down phone book for three days, or dry them in your microwave. (Basically between paper towels weighted down with a casserole dish.) Check every 30-seconds. May take 3 minutes or so. Error on under-drying. Dried flowers can be saved in a favorite book or affixed to a window, or glued to a blank card for a special note for a friend.

Edible flowers

Grow or buy some edible flowers (nasturtiums, pansies, or rose petals) and toss them on a salad. Or use for garnish for a dessert. You can make candied petals too. Use clean petals and simple syrup.

Take a class

Take a drawing or painting class from a friend, community college or community art center. Even if you “can’t draw a straight line,” a good teacher will open your eyes to really seeing the complexity and awesome beauty of the trees and plants in nature.

Take photos

Take photos of the your garden spaces and your trees. With the leaves and petals on -- or without them -- you get a new idea of the spaces you are working with. Bring your photos to Hoerr Nursery and the Garden Experts can help you plan out how to have a beautiful garden!

Visit Hoerr Nursery!

Stroll around Hoerr Nursery and enjoy all the beautiful plants. (New spring “cold tolerant” plants arriving mid-March; warm weather plants will follow.) The GardenHouse will have many fountains and a constantly arriving inventory of plants. Last likely freeze date in Central Illinois is around Mother’s day – so we are a long time off, but come in wander and absorb the beauty and find something Spring-ish for inside your home!