Can you believe we're already one month into 2020? And although it might be hard to imagine, spring will be here before we know it—we promise! In the meantime, we have a little something for everyone this week: winter bloomers, Mediterranean gardens, easy-peasy flowers, travel ideas, garden inspiration, and more! 

Snowdrops

These small flowers have one big job—announcing that spring is on its way! Snowdrops will be peeking out soon and bloom anytime from February to April. Learn how to plant and care for these deer-resistant bulbs in your garden.

Garden Style: Mediterranean

Dreaming of a vacation in the Mediterranean? Why not create your own getaway right at home? Traditional Mediterranean-style gardens are steeped in casual elegance and filled with fragrant herbs, the sound of trickling water from tiered fountains, and the warm color of terra cotta pottery. Photo by Alida Aldrich Landscape Design.  

Ready-to-Plant Beauty

Bring more joy to your garden this spring with an easy-to-plant Flower Pillow from Proven Winners. Perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or window boxes, these pre-assembled flower-filled pillows arrive ready to bloom with 25 colorful recipes to choose from (the combo shown happens to be called 'Joy'—what a coincidence!). Preorder now for spring delivery.

Good to know: You pick the ship date, ranging from April 6 to May 18.

Steer Clear, Deer!

When asked what their biggest challenge in the garden was, many Instagram followers answered, deer! Although they're beautiful animals (who need to eat, too!), we'd prefer they dine elsewhere. Although hungry deer will eat just about anything, we've got 20 deer-resistant plants that aren't generally on their menu, along with other strategies, online learning opportunities, deer-proof garden plans, and more great resources. 

BONUS: Share this newsletter with your friends (who may also need help keeping deer away) and you'll be entered to win a copy of Deer-Resistant Design: Fence-Free Gardens that Thrive Despite the Deer, by Karen Chapman. (You can check it out in our bookstore under the Problem Solvers tab.)

Tip: Where to Get Winter Garden Ideas and Inspiration

Sure, gardens look great in spring and summer, but you want yours to look good year-round. One way to find plants that provide four-season interest is to visit local public gardens and see what plants are doing. What's blooming?  Are there seed heads that are providing food for birds? Is there interesting bark exposed? Make notes, take photos, and get inspired.

If you're not sure where to go, check out Garden Design's Self-Guided Day Trips for suggestions—like Chicago Botanic Garden (pictured), included in our latest U.S. day trip. Sign up for our Travel Newsletter to be notified of new locations as they are released. We've got a lot more coming!

Note: Depending on the region, some gardens may be closed or have reduced hours this time of year; check their websites or call to confirm open hours. 

Regional Gardening To-Do's for February

Not sure what you could—or should—be doing in your garden next month? In many areas, you could see hellebores (like 'True Love' from Proven Winners, pictured) starting to bloom. Check out our regional guides with important tips, ideas, and inspiration specific to your area. Find your region below:

Don't forget to forward this newsletter to a friend (using this link) for a chance to win a copy of Deer-Resistant Design: Fence-Free Gardens that Thrive Despite the Deer, by Karen Chapman.  

In Case You Missed It:
Modern Garden with Contemporary Warmth
Modern Plants
Modern Plant Palettes
Color Schemes in the Garden

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