So one of the "services" I'll share with you is my notes from magazines I am reading... think of me as reading so you don't have to. Hee Hee.  Although, I strongly believe in the value of print media & encourage you to continue to subscribe to magazines (I even know where you can re-new your subscriptions to popular magazines if you need to, that's a plug).

So the March issue of "Southern Living Magazine" caught my eye at the newstand because it had a tagline on a topic I was just talking about with my Willow House sponsor- the value of updating your home's exteior because it is the 1st impression we give others.  In realty speak it's your "curb appeal".  What did "Southern Living" have to say about that... "Instant  Srping Makeovers, 87 Secrets to Great Curb Appeal".  Great minds really do think alike!

Throughout the month I'll be sharing what some of those 87 tips are and how easy it is to do them.  With the weather just being idealistic these days (I mean 63 degrees on March 4th?) & my daffodils being in full bloom I've been getting the color buzz.  Flowers are such a great way to refresh an exterior and so inexpensive too.    One tip the article shared was (3) types of flowers that are great to get us started for Spring...

1.  Tulips (one of my favorites):  My girlfriend Leigh does such a great job of taking potted plants and nestling them inside her planters- it's an easy way to avoid the dirt of planting and after their season so quick to remove.    If you don want to plant them, just remove from the pot and some great neighbors for containers with tulips are 'Lavendar Blue' and 'Purple Wing' pansies, variegated ivy and types of boston ferns.

2. Snapdragons:   I've always loved the look of these but they seem so exotic, not an easy plant, but maybe I'll prove myself wrong.  Snapdragons are a great way to add height to your containers.  These also look great with tulips, ivy and even parsley plants .

3.  Twinspurs- these are ones if you don't know the name you'll probably recognize their look.  These are great in March because they can take the unpredictable weather swings. These look great with violas & kale for a 3 plant container.    Both these & the snapdragons need full sun so keep them out frong or back.

Containers are really the key to pretty arrangements.  Often unique ones can be found in antique stores and for a much less price then the big box stores.  Plus, their aged look makes them already weathered and a beautiful accessory to your garden.

I challenge each of us to do just 1 container this March and see how some pretty flowers can brighten any mood, even if we still get a few more cold days.