A Snowy Planday

The beds have officially received this season's first snow - they were frost covered when I went outside this morning, with garlic peeking up. I decided to walk to Swansons to see what they are selling today, and to ask the managers if they ever donate plants (for the community garden). Sunday is never a good day to seek out managers. There was very little activity at the nursery today. After I left and walked down 15th I saw there is a store called Herbal Healing near 80th, then further down, some Garden Collective I must find out more about, and on the way to the library (on 58th) what looks like a community garden in an old house lot. There's a big sign that says SLUG. I got to chat with no one about these sweet finds because Sunday is not a good day to chat. I'll have this upcoming week for that.

At Swansons right now there are many native plants hardy below 0 degrees. So when I see snow on the beds I am reminded I could, indeed be gardening right now. I could pick up some plants and care for them in their pots until the right time to transplant. Such as the Gemo St Johns Wort now 75% off in the nursery's very back corner. As a curious consumer, I'm wondering what they do with the plants that don't sell beside tossing them to the back and out of sight. Plenty of herbs like rosemary, bay and lavender have been shelved, while mixed herb pots (Henry's Herbs) are being promoted. So what's going on with all the shelved plants? Can we donate them to the community center? Is it better to keep them shelved overwinter in the nursery or to fare them to the outdoors with some prayer?

I would love to take the numerous neglected St Johns Wort (the photo is not mine. Still don't have a camera) plants off their hands to nurture and harvest. What a useful plant that could be for loved ones. The herb is considered an effective antidepressent, and I know many people who would benefit from taking this plant if they are open. I drink a blend of St John's Wort with other relaxants as a winter tea to ride the cold. You can't go wrong with yellow flowers.