Today is February 25, 2010. The eastern seaboard of the United States is getting another big snow storm. The weather is cold over a lot of the United States and Canada. Out here in the Puget Sound the past two weeks the weather has been just great. We have had several days of sunshine and highs in the high 40’s and even low 50’s.

Growing up on the east coast I remember looking forward to the coming of spring and going to Branchville Park in Newark, New Jersey to see the cherry tree blossoms.  Only the area in the park had the wonderful blooming cherry blossoms. We also made a few trips to Washington, DC to join the great crowds of people to see the cherry blossoms also.  For an easterner seeing these trees was a special treat that you looked forward to each year and made the drive to the few places where you could see them.

Out here in Western Washington State cheery and plum blossoms put on one of the best free shows you will ever see. The streets of many towns are lined with cherry or plum trees. Many home and business owners also plant the trees as part of their landscaping. I took a short ride around Marysville, Washington this afternoon and took these photos. All of these photos were taken within 3 miles of the GardenAccentHeaven office. When it is not raining this area has amazing beauty which I am sharing with you in these photos.

When the chipmunk eats baby birds, the berries and the seeds that the birds love, personally, I consider it a foe!   However, I love to watch it’s high energy pace and hear it’s cheerful “chip, chip” call.  And since the chipmunk can be found in each of the continental 48 states, I do not want to offend its solid fan base, or my own solid fan base!

Therefore, a quick natural tip to balance the wild life we all love.   Weighing in at just 3 to 5 ounces, the bite-sized chipmunk makes a tasty snack for hawks, owls, snakes, foxes and weasels.  Keep chipmunk numbers in check by providing owl houses, perches for raptors, and nesting sites for snakes.  Check local regulations before taking more drastic measures, like trapping, as the chipmunk is protected in some states.

Screech Owl House

Use this online coupon to receive your 10% discount on any birdhouse purchased from www.GardenAccentHeaven.com This offer expires on March 31,2010. Enter the discount code 1001 when placing your order in the coupon box of the order form.

10% Off Coupon

Red Hot Poker

Another Flower to Attract Hummingbirds and the admiration of your friends and neighbors! The common name is Red Hot Poker. I suggest  Flamenco or Kniphofia uvaria. It blooms over a longer time period and has more blooms in total.    Hummers love their three foot flower spikes.  The flower spikes are a red-orange with a mellow yellow at the base.  The strap-shaped foliage adds a nice contrast to other plants.  The plant can be two feet high and three feet wide.  Plant it in full sun with good drainage.  This plant is both heat and drought tolerant once established, a truly care free plant!   Hardy in Zones 5 to 9.

Click here to see vido on how to grow Red Hot Poker Plants video_4992906_grow-redhot-poker-kniphofia-uvaria.html