February in the Ozarks (or at least around the Hillbilly shack) isn't usually too exciting. But there are always some chores to do outside. Two big problems I'm seeing right now are the job, which is making a lot of demands on time and age. As we get older, it becomes increasingly difficult to become motivated, especially when it comes to getting bundled up to go outside in the cold. If it weren't for my love of gardening, I'd be tempted to hibernate all winter, like the rest of the bears. Friday, February 6, 2009 Finished turning the compost pile. Mixed soil with compost and wet down. Noticed that the daffodils planted last fall were already coming up as well as the fall-blooming crocus. Temperature near 70° F., sunny and slightly breezing. Most unusual for February, but normal anymore. We've had 70° weather in February every year for the past several years. Usually followed by an ice storm shortly thereafter. Saturday, February 7, 2009 Another unusually warm day for February, with temps. in the 60's @ 9:00 A.M. and sunny. Hung new plant hangers and bird feeders today. Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Laid out the area for a new raised bed today. It will be another 4 foot by 12 foot by 1 foot deep bed. The temperatures today are in the low 70's and sunny, but the weatherman is calling for storms tonight that may be severe. There was a time when I would call this unusual for February. But we've had 70 degree weather in February for the past several years, so what's normal anymore? I noticed today some daffodils were setting blooms. They're going to get fooled again this year. Wednesday, February 11, 2009 It's cool and rainy today with highs back into the 40's. Very Good weather for catching up on some writing and putting together some seed orders. I'll work on the garden plans today. Friday, February 10, 2009 Finalized planting plans for new raised bed to be built this spring and the raised bed built last fall. Going to try my hand with "bio-intensive" gardening with these two beds. The goal is to see how much can be raised in as little space as possible. Wednesday, February 25, 2009 Finally got the seed orders done. This is the latest I have ever got seed orders done. Had so much going on this year that I haven't known which end was up, let alone think much about the garden yet. The garden may be late, but at least there will be one. My son and I built a large sandbox for the granddaughters today. This will provide hours of entertainment for the girls and a source of sand when I need it. All of the Daffodils, crocus and surprise lilies are up now and the daffodils are fully budded. The temperature today was near 70° F and sunny. Not at all normal February weather. Saturday, February 28, 2009 After having sunny and warm weather with temperatures of 70 degrees F. just two days ago, nature played a cruel trick on us today, with 2-3 inches of snow and temperatures in the 20's. | 
