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| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | March 2020 | 21 Hopefully, as you read this, March is coming in like a lamb and the surprise cold snap freezes of February are behind us. Since I am writing this on Feb. 7, sandwiched in between two cold fronts, I've gained an entirely new respect for the well-intentioned meteorologist, with the proverbial crystal ball. Attempting to foretell the onset of warmer weather, while piling on more clothes just to walk to the mailbox, is my latest new challenge. February's article gave us many good tips from Better Homes & Gardens, (BHG.com). But in waiting for those warmer temps, common sense and instinct must prevail. If our plants are sending up fresh growth at their base, we want to be very careful to leave enough brown, old growth to blanket them against frost. When overnight temps are still dipping into the mid 20s, cutting off dead, old plant material must be done sparingly, and with the thought: "Will they be cold if I remove their insulated jacket?" Watering more than twice a week will also severely damage roots during extreme cold snaps. How would we feel standing outside at 5 am, soaking wet, with no coat? But don't fret if some of those warmer days fooled you… you weren't alone. While planning our March events, I talked with some experts, also caught by surprise at our suddenly unpredictable weather, including wind. Ready to coach us through March, we jump into spring with our meeting on the 9th and Valley Beautiful Garden Club's President, Katherine Botts. Like Ebon Longfellow, who spoke to us last year in March, Katherine is also a Master Gardener, and will share with us all her secrets. She is prepared to answer all questions, regardless of species, task, or season. Bring pen and paper ~ You will learn a lot! On March 25 we welcome spring with a carpool excursion to Anza- Borrego for the annual Desert Bloom. Departing at 8 am from the small SW parking lot at The Lodge, our trip will begin at the State Park's Visitor Center, followed by lunch at Borrego Springs Resort, and then a driving tour within the park. Interested in hiking? Please plan safely and accordingly. Visit the Park's website: parks.ca.gov/ anza-borrego or call (760)767-4205 for information and maps. Late Bloomers meets every second Monday at 1 pm in the Arts & Crafts Room. All residents are welcome to attend both meetings and excursions. For More Information, please contact Sharon Deuber at (760) 500-0077 or Sharon@BlackDiamondInvestments.net. "Late Bloomers" Garden Club Hello Spring Hello Spring