Christmas is just around the corner. Donna and I would like to wish you each a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

What should I do with my evergreen tree in the house after the Christmas season?

If you are a birder and enjoy feeding the birds, put the tree in a snow bank for the birds to light on for protection from larger birds like the owl or small hawk looking for a dessert of some kind.

Is it necessary to have water available in the Christmas tree stand?

Yes, indeed. Without continually replenishing water in the tray, in time the tree’s needles will fall off of the branches. When we used to set up a live tree, we would add some white sugar for extra energy.

What are some herbs to plant next spring that I can use for my home cooking?

Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme are just some of the herbs that can be planted early in the house, and transplanted outside once the temperatures warm up.

What are some suggestions for new tools I could use in the garden?

Try a four-tined fork. This can be used in time with a spade to cut the roots of plants you are digging to transplant elsewhere in the garden. Another tool for semi-retired gardeners is a weeder-cultivator which can come with a short or long handle.

My morning glory flowers bloomed late this season. Why?

One of the main reasons for late blooming was the cool temperatures we had for most of the summer. You may want to plant them early in the house, and replant them when the ground temperatures warm up in mid- to late-May. You may also want to try finding some earlier seed variety, and make sure you have them planted in a sunny area.