Ideas for your Valentine
I love a vibrant mix of cut flowers anytime of the year and try to mix plant blooms and branches in my garden with cut flowers to create arrangements for my home.
As you consider your loved one this year, decide if they would love a cut flower bouquet, a houseplant, or a garden plant for their outdoor space. Depending on your selection there are different care requirements for each.
Cut flowers bring that vibrant color to homes and office spaces but only last for a short period of time. Indoor plants can be enjoyed longer but will need proper care to thrive inside. Container plants might not bloom for a couple of months but will be remembered by your loved ones as they bloom each year.
Remember we are in zone 7b-8a for outdoor planting options. For indoor plants, make sure there is sufficient lighting and proper watering for the plant you choose. For cut flowers, compost when they have lost their fragrance or color.
For avid gardeners, you might consider new garden tools, a new storage shed, or a fresh pair of garden gloves. I love getting new tools and can’t wait to get outdoors to test them out.
While Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, you can garden with your valentine any time of the year, and that might be the best option of all!
Roses in Vase Photo: K.Toal, UGA Extension
Plant Spotlight-Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis)
Adding a pop of color to your shade garden this winter is easy with the Lenten Rose (also known as a Hellebore). Lenten Roses are herbaceous evergreens that will naturalize in your shady garden space and might help with erosion on slopes. Plants develop into clumps with beautiful bell-like flowers developing in February and remain in bloom for several weeks. Plants are fairly low maintenance and deer tend to not browse. Plants easily drop seed to help with naturalization, but they do not breed true. You have the chance of having flowers ranging from dark purple, pink, yellow, and white all from a few plants.
For more information, check out this post from Matt Dirr, with UGA Horticulture Research Farm. https://site.caes.uga.edu/hortfarm/2025/02/hellebores/
Lenten Rose Photo- K. Toal, UGA Extension
Did you know?
We have our programs posted until May? Take a minute to check out our upcoming programs online at https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/fayette/Upcoming_ANR_Programs_and_Events.html and check your calendars so you can attend! We are almost finished with our Fall/Winter programs so they will be posted by this summer. If there is a topic you would like to see, please give us a call at 770-305-5412 or via email at Fayette.extension@uga.edu
Bee Hotel Workshop Photo: K. Toal, UGA Extension
Upcoming Programs
February 17th-10am: Pruning Roses-Roses are a wonderful plant known for its fragrance and beauty in the landscape. Come learn from rosarian Cindy Dale and how to prune your roses the easy way. In-Person
February 19th-10am: Radon-(RESCHEDULED) Radon is an odorless gas that can cause significant health risks if not mitigated in your home. Come learn about radon, how it gets in your home, and ways to protect your family. This is our rescheduled zoom session from January. ZOOM
February 19th-11am: Soil Testing-Testing your soil is the one of the first steps in ensuring your plant has the necessary nutrients to thrive. Join us via zoom as we learn about how to conduct a soil sample and how it benefits your garden. ZOOM
February 24th-10am: Dendrobium Orchids-The dendrobium orchid is another common orchid found in garden retailers in Fayette. Come learn about this orchid to learn proper care requirements from Gary Crozat, a previous orchid society member and grower. In-Person
To register, please go on our website https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/fayette.html and click on “Upcoming Adult ANR Events”. You can also call our office at 770-305-5412.
Kim Toal, is the Fayette County Extension Coordinator and Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources. For additional information about Fayette County Extension, please call our office at 770-305-5412 or check out our website at https://extension.uga.edu/fayette.
