Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1075467
"Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle... a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream." - Barbara Winkler 2019 is off to a running start, it's February. "The word February is believed to have derived from the name 'Februa' taken from the Roman 'Festival of Purification.' As part of the seasonal calendar February is the time of the 'Ice Moon' according to Pagan beliefs, and the period described as the 'Moon of the Dark Red Calf ' by Black Elk. February has also been known as 'Sprout-kale' by the Anglo-Saxons in relation to the time the kale and cabbage was edible." - Wickipedia February is also dubbed the 'month of love.' Is it any wonder it's the shortest month. But there are other things to celebrate in February such as: Feb. 4 - Thank a Mailman Day; Feb. 5 - Shower With a Friend Day, for water conservation of course; Feb. 7 - National Periodic Table Day; Feb 9 - National Pizza Day — and if you happen to eat too much, it's also National Toothache Day; Feb. 11 - National Don't Cry Over Spilt Milk Day, which encourages people to be positive and not focus on the small things that may go wrong; Feb. 13 - Galentine's Day, don't tell Leslie Knope it's not really a holiday, but it is a good day to tell your best friends how much they mean to you; Feb. 14 - National Organ Donor Day, besides being Valentine's Day; Feb. 15 - National Single Awareness Day, congratulations you made it through Valentine's Day without a significant other; Feb. 18 - National Drink Wine Day; Feb. 20 - National Love Your Pet Day; Feb. 22 - National Margarita Day; Feb. 28 - National Take a Nap Day, a fitting way to end the month. And on the gardening front, winter's over! Did you blink and miss it? There are sure to be a few more chilly mornings and a few more rainstorms, but look outside, the plants are already waking up. Somehow February, more than any other month, reflects just how distinctive California's gardens are. We have so much to admire and to plant. Consider the five California classics; 1. Meyer lemon, 2. Saucer magnolias, 3. Artichoke, 4. Camellia, 5. Daphne odora. These are plants that excel this month, defying winter with vivid color, alluring fragrance and, in some cases, mouthwatering flavor. Be sure and join us at the Garden Club Meeting which is held on the second Wednesday of the month, at the Main Clubhouse Ballroom, at 10 am. If you aren't already a member, what are you waiting for? Come and try us out as our guest! Sun Lakes Garden Club Sees Candy Fundraiser: Look for us in the Main Clubhouse from 9 am to 2 pm on Feb. 4 through Feb. 9 and Feb. 11 and Feb. 12. 46 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | FEBRUARY 2019 | Garden Club