The Inside Dirt at iloveplants.com for April 2005

April 2005

In This Issue:
* Chamomile Times & Herbal News
* Add Color with Annuals
* A Sneeze-Free Garden
* Attracting Ladybugs to Your Garden
* Every Day is Earth Day!
* Garden Bargains - Show Now for Spring and Save!
* From My Garden...
* Plus New Websites added to iloveplants.com & Website Reviews

Greetings fellow gardeners and a warm welcome to all of our new subscribers!

I was just recently visiting family in the northeast where there is no sign of spring yet. The trees are still bare, and not a flower could be found. The week following my return to Florida I was just amazed at how brilliant the flower colors seemed and how green all the trees are. They seemed more beautiful than I had ever remembered in past years. Realizing that some areas of the country are still draped in winter gave me a double appreciation for spring and its magnificence.

So for those of you still waiting for the first signs of spring, we've selected some interesting websites and web articles to help you pass the time. For herb lovers you'll enjoy visiting the Chamomile Times & Herbal News website. If you want lots of color in your yard, don't miss the article on annuals. For those who suffer from spring allergies we've found an article that will help you reduce the allergens in your yard, and everyone will enjoy the article on attracting ladybugs to help you fend off the nasty insects that attack your plants.
As winter slowly releases it hold, spring is arriving in all of its colorful finery. Dust off your garden gloves, grab your clippers and shovel and sing your praises to spring along with the flowers! Enjoy every minute in your garden!
Susan

Did You Know? April 22nd is Earth Day! Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Earth Day EVERYDAY with Dale Groom�s Green Gardening Earth Kind Tips.

Each month we feature the BEST garden information on the Internet.

THE CHAMOMILE TIMES. Herb lovers will enjoy the Chamomile Times and Herbal News website. Their Garden Guides Herb Guide includes an array of uses for herbs in cooking, recipes for potpourri mixes, homemade creams and fragrant mist sprays. You will also find helpful advice for growing seeds, such as when to sew seeds indoors or outdoors, the correct planting depth and spacing requirements for success. Click here to visit The Chamomile Times.
For more websites containing information on herbs, please visit our Herb Page.


ADD COLOR WITH ANNUALS
There�s no question that annual flowers can add a real punch of color to the garden. The University of Illinois Extension passes along good basic information in their no-nonsense article entitled, Annuals Add Color with Minimum Care. Find out how to select the right annuals for your planting site (shade or sun), proper soil preparation to maximize their lifespan and bloom production.


Shop now for a great selection of environmentally friendly garden products from Garden�s Alive! You can select from a large variety of natural fertilizers for your lawn and plants, as well as pest, disease and weed control products all designed with the earth in mind. First-time shoppers can save $20 on an order of $40 or more!


A SNEEZE-FREE GARDEN
Don�t get stuck inside this spring because of allergies. Learn How to Create an Allergy-Free Garden at eHow.com. Here you will find lots of advice and tips on ways to eliminate pollen, mold and other allergens so that you can enjoy your garden again.


ATTRACTING LADYBUGS
Ladybugs are a welcome addition to the garden as they are tireless workers when it comes to eliminating aphids and other insect pests from the garden. GardenGuides.com provides a handy article on Luring Ladybugs Into Your Garden. Learn more about how to attract them and identify them in their larval stage so that you don�t accidentally eliminate them.

GARDEN BARGAINS ONLINE - Shop now for spring and save money!

Purchase summer bulbs now at Breck�s Bulbs and save $25 off a $50 order!

Free Shipping for a limited time on orders of $55 or more at
Dutch Gardens.

Get 3 Free Peacock Bulbs with any purchase from Direct Gardening. Use Coupon Code G5666 at checkout.

Purchase calla lily bulbs from Pacific Callas at wholesale prices.

Reserve your fall bulbs now at Blooming Bulb and save 10%.

Save 40% on the current special at Wind & Weather

Get $5 off any purchase over $50 at the Better Homes and Gardens Store! Use coupon code: SAVE5

Save $20 on a $40 order for environmentally friendly garden supplies from Gardens Alive!

Save on the Jerry Baker �Value Pack.� Purchase any Jerry Baker book with a hose end sprayer set and save 10%.

Click here to visit Garden Bargains Online to take advantage of these specials and for more money-saving offers!