Would you believe that a cedar tree split open during a tornado at a local nursery in the 1990’s to reveal a 12-foot Native American totem pole inside? Well, neither did we, but Tom Needham of Needham’s Nursery likes to tell that tall tale about the totem pole that stands today on his family’s nursery property.

With this winter’s temperatures dipping lower than in recent years throughout much of the country, some plants may have been lost while others are only damaged. Don’t be overzealous in removing them from the garden. Established woody plants with top growth killed stand a good chance of returning from their roots. It could be as late as June before you know for sure.  

As you gaze out the window or walk about your dormant winter garden ask yourself does your landscape offer plants that will feed and/or protect birds?