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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | FEBRUARY 2020 | 41 "Love is the flower of life, and blossoms unexpectedly and without law, and must be plucked where it is found, and enjoyed for the brief hour of its duration." D. H. Lawrence The Garden Club meeting is Wed., Feb. 12, at 10 am in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom. The Riverside Master Gardeners will be speaking about frost and the freezing of plants in the garden. We would like to congratulate one of our major supporters, Jim and Linda Anderson, Cherry Valley Nursery, for being awarded Beaumont's citizen of the month. Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November, all the rest have 31, except for February, which got the short stick because it's cold and no one likes it. Well, something to that effect. Some believe February once boasted 29 days and that Augustus Caesar stole a day so he could add it to August, which was named for him. (If there's a month named after you, why not milk it?) But that's just a myth. Rather, February has 28 days because, to the Romans, the month was an afterthought. February's birth flowers are the Violet and Primrose. While many relate red roses with February thanks to Valentine's Day on the 14th, the Violet is actually the February birth flower. This purple- hued bloom is a symbol of modesty, faithfulness and virtue. In the Victorian age, a gift of Violets was a declaration to always be true, and it still serves as a wonderful reminder of loyalty, thoughtfulness and dependability. Another flower often cited as February's birth flower is the Primrose, a pale yellow perennial with European origins. They are edible flowers that can add a pop of color to your favorite treat (or birthday cupcake)! Primroses symbolize young love, so they are a great gift for a significant other. February is a cold and wet month in your garden and often a time for cleaning up, weeding, and pruning. For blooms in the February garden, plant Pansies; if planted in the fall they will usually bloom off and on all winter, popping up whenever there is a thaw. The root grows strong all winter, hence the plant becomes very vigorous and lush by early spring. Violas are cheerful surprises in the cool months. Johnny-Jump Up is tricolored in bright purple, yellow and white. Violas will re-bloom in fall if cut back in the heat of summer. For a small and delicate flower that makes a big impact, you can't go wrong with Johnny Jump Ups (Viola tricolor). But most importantly enjoy the first signs of spring in your February garden with Daphne, Camellia and some of the early flower bulbs like crocus or Paper White Narcissus! Remember, you don't have to be a gardener to join! Come and visit anytime and see what we are all about. For membership contact: Sherry Case at (951) 533-3584 or Linda Powers at (951) 769-3101. For general information contact President, Pam Mikkelsen at (951) 797-3080. Please support the Garden Club by purchasing See's Candy gift certificates from Maureen Keeney at (951) 797-0011 or Janie Haughn at (909) 556- 0577. Happy gardening. Garden Club Valentine's Day See's Candy Sales MAIN CLUBHOUSE LOBBY, 9 AM TO 2 PM FEB. 3 - FEB. 8 • FEB 10 - FEB. 14 This is the Garden Club's primary fundraiser. Thank you for your support! Handyman Services Call Today! Bill Blakeslee Sun Lakes Resident Faucets • Toilets • Garbage Disposals Heating & Air Conditioning Maintenance Ceiling Fans • Lighting • Smoke Detectors All Household Repairs… Just Ask! (951) 524-3733 32 YEARS EXPERIENCE

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