Language of flowers, best plants to clean air, dirt cure?

This is an archived issue of our Almanac.com Companion email newsletter.

Daily Newsletter for Friday, February 9, 2018

crescent moon

On a clear winter’s evening
The crescent moon
And the round squirrels’ nest
In the bare oak
Are equal planets.

–Anne Porter (1911–2011)
Friday, February 9, 2018
 40th day of the year


Travis Tritt (country music singer) was born on this day in 1963.
Walter Fredrick Morrison (inventor of the Frisbee) died on this day in 2010.
 
Gardening Notebook > Learn More
 
Houseplants Clean the Air

 Clean House with Tropical Plants
NASA calls it Sick Building Syndrome. I know it as a stuffy house that needs a good airing, as my Mom put it. By the end of January, if it weren’t for the forest of houseplants in my home, I’d open the windows, despite the snow and freezing daytime temperatures. I did open them before I learned that tropical houseplants clean indoor air of pollution.
  READ MORE  
 
The Almanac Weather Rock
100% accurate weather predictor! If the rock is wet, it’s raining. If it’s dry and still, just wait a minute—it’s a mistake and will change soon.
  LEARN MORE  
$21.95
 
Cocoa Versus Chocolate

 Could Cocoa Be the Sweetheart Spice?
Where does cocoa come from? What’s the difference between cocoa and chocolate? Is chocolate healthy? Enjoy this delightful post about cocoa—plus, a delicious recipe.
  READ MORE  
 
Almanac Barn Night Light
The roof features The Old Farmer’s Almanac logo in a way reminiscent of the painted barn advertisements of the early to mid–20th century for soft drinks and roadside attractions.
  LEARN MORE  
$16.95
 
Make a Cake!

 Chocolate Berry Torte Recipe for Valentine's Day
I hardly needed a reason to try this Chocolate Berry Torte recipe, but with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it seemed like perfect timing!
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The 2018 Old Farmer's Almanac - Collector's Edition
Our exclusive best offer! This hardcover Collector’s Edition Almanac includes a free 2018 Gardening Wall Calendar and replicas of Almanacs from 100 and 200 years ago. (A $15.99 value!)
  LEARN MORE  
$15.95
 
Language of Flowers

 Flower Meanings: The Language of Flowers
Before you select a bouquet, check out the flower meanings from The Old Farmer’s Almanac!  While most of us know that red roses symbolize love, did you realize that most plants, herbs, and flowers have centuries-old symbolic meanings? Some flowers mean friendship; others symbolize love; yet others represent loss. Here’s our full list of flower meanings.
  READ MORE  
 
Embedded thumbnail for The Dirt Cure for the Winter Cough
Dirt Cure for a Cough?

 The Dirt Cure for the Winter Cough
In 1849, a farmer prescribed a “dirt cure” for a winter cough. Watch Janice Stillman, editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, demonstrate this natural remedy. (Warning: Humor required!)
  WATCH VIDEO  
 
The 2018 Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Boxed Daily Calendar
Gardeners will be delighted with this nicely illustrated and gift-boxed page-a-day calendar!
  LEARN MORE  
$14.99