Dear ##firstname[Friend]##,

I hope you all had a fantastic holiday! Although the hustle and bustle is over, I bet some of you are still experiencing mounds of snow. Brighten up your day by voting for your favorite flower photo in our Backyard Photo Contest. The theme is “Best of Blooms,” and these beauties are sure to leave you smiling and dreaming of spring!

If you’re itching for more signs of sunny weather, take a look at our favorite new plant picks for 2011, they’re sure to dazzle your garden!

Danielle Calkins
Birds & Blooms

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• Find us on Facebook
• Bird of the Month
• Best of Glad You Asked
• Project of the Month
• FREE Wallpaper

Are you on Facebook? Our staff is constantly sharing interesting bird and garden stories. Learn about giveaways, new products and more!

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Bird of the Month: Song Sparrow

Song sparrows love ground-level tray feeders with seeds or birdbaths that are surrounded by thickets or bush. It’s a sure way to lure them to your yard!

Learn even more about the Song Sparrow, and listen to their song.

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Best of Glad You Asked

Century Plant
During a backyard graduation party last summer, the main attraction was our century plant in full bloom. It grew to about 14 feet tall! Will we be able to witness this show again? —Gloria Rymer, Centreville, Mississippi

Melinda: The century plant (Agave Americana) is quite impressive when in bloom. I was lucky enough to see one blooming at the Chicago Botanic Gardens' Conservatory. It grew so tall that they had to remove a pane of glass from the ceiling to allow the flower to reach its full height. Once the plant flowers, the main rosette of leaves usually dies. The offsets, called pups, will take over, then grow and eventually flower. That means you should be able to admire its blooms again. However, it may take 10 to 15 years for the offsets to flower. So be patient—the spectacular floral display is worth the wait.

Sprouting Birdseed
How do I keep birdseed that falls to the ground from sprouting?

George: Some birdseed such as niger (thistle), is sterilized and should not sprout. Others, including sunflower, are not. I only know one safe way to keep birdseed from sprouting-present it to the bird in a tray with sides. That should prevent most spillage and will solve your problem.

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Project of the Month: Boot Scootin’ Birdhouse

Add a little Western decor to your yard with this cowboy boot birdhouse. Here are the easy steps to creating your own birdhouse. Make it in the warmth of your home so it’s ready when the snow melts! Make your own Boot Scootin’ Birdhouse today!

 

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FREE Wallpaper

Download great wallpaper for your computer, like this photo of beautiful winter trees.

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