February 2 Marks Groundhog Day

The myth of Groundhog Day, long popular in this country, has been perpetuated by the appearances of Punxsutawney Phil and his relatives since 1886. Ancient Roman legions, during their conquest of northern Europe, first brought the tradition to the Germans. The myth was and is that if the sun appeared on February 2, the hedgehog would cast his shadow, and thus predict six more weeks of winter. If it was cloudy and shadowless, he would consider that a sign of spring and stay above ground.

When early German settlers arrived, they found not hedgehogs but groundhogs aplenty, and so transferred the myth to the American animal.

In truth, February 2 often feels like mid-winter. By February 15, almost 60 days have passed since the shortest day of the year (December 21), so days are significantly longer. We start seeing more sunshine, and winter annuals like pansies begin to perk up again. Many projects that will be built during spring are in their planning stages at this time.

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Late Winter in the Landscape: Pruning

It is time to prune many shade trees such as lindens, oaks and hickories while they are fully dormant. Exceptions are sugar maples, birch and walnuts that bleed if pruned when the sap starts running on warm days in late winter - prune them in mid to late summer. Now is an ideal time to assess deciduous shade trees. You can see the entire scaffolding of branches. Large, healthy shade trees need little or no pruning. As trees age and are affected by environmental conditions, they may develop injured or diseased limbs. Further, as trees grow, they may develop obstructing limbs that interfere with nearby trees or endanger structures. Make note of trees that appear to have problems and call us for a consultation.

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The Dreaming Season

Gardening activities are at seasonal lows, so this is an ideal time to plan gardening projects. Curl up by the fireplace with a notebook and list what you like about your property and what you do not. Getting ideas down on paper will organize your thoughts and help you communicate with the professionals who can help realize your dreams. List the ways you hope to use your property - include everything from outdoor dining, to swimming pools, to play equipment, to inspiration and contemplation. List what you covet - favorite plants, styles, anything you would love to see in your garden. Finally, call us - we will help turn your winter dreams into summer realities.

Let Us Help You Realize the Potential of Your Property and Increase its Value

Please call us (636-256-2600) or e-mail (contactplc@poynterlandscape.com) to discuss your landscaping and gardening challenges. If you would like us to send this issue to a friend, please let us know.