Garden plans for shade, winter pruning, lentil soup

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

Daily Newsletter for Friday, February 23, 2018

blue jay in winter

There, on the black bough of a snow-flecked maple,
Fearless and gay as our love,
A bluejay cocked his crest!
Oh who can tell the range of joy
Or set the bounds of beauty?
–Sara Teasdale (1884–1933)
Friday, February 23, 2018
 54th day of the year


Patricia Richardson (actress) was born on this day in 1951.
Don Cornell (big band singer) died on this day in 2004.
 
Gardening Notebook > Learn More
 
A Frigid Winter Olympics

 Winter Olympics 2018: Why Such Extreme Cold?
Who has been watching the Winter Olympics? Did anyone notice (from your cozy living room) that many of the days were not just cold … they were bone-chillingly frigid? What caused such extreme temperatures for a location at the same latitude as Washington, D.C.?
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Mash Feed Tote
The design is inspired by a vintage chicken feed sack.
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$13.97
 
When to Plant Peas

 Peas
Peas are not difficult to grow. Once they come up, they exhibit terrific growth spurts and can make a lovely wall of green through the garden.
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Lilac and Violets Bath Bomb Set
Directions for a luxurious bath: Fill tub. Drop in bath bomb. Allow ingredients to effervesce, releasing essential oils into the water and a delicate scent into the air.
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$10.97
 
Plot Plans for Partial Shade

 Garden Plan for Vegetables that Grow in Partial Shade
Not all of us are blessed with a sunny gardening space! Gardeners with more shade than sun need to adapt accordingly by planting the right veggies. Check out these garden plot plans for partial shade.
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Foaming Hand Soap
These luxurious soaps contain shea butter and aloe vera for gentle cleansing and moisturizing. Choose from different scents. Each comes in a good-looking, generously-sized bottle.
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$9.97
 
Winter Pruning

 Winter Pruning Guide for Trees and Shrubs
Late winter or early spring is the best time time to prune most shrubs and trees—but not all! See our list of which trees and shrubs to prune, and get some general pruning tips for the season.
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Bee Brand Tote
One side of this cotton bag resembles a vintage seed sack and the other has busy bees.
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$14.97
 
Hearty Lentil Soup

 Lentil and Brown Rice Soup
This Lentil and Brown Rice Soup recipe is a perfect introduction to cooking hearty, comforting lentils. If you thought lentils were intimidating, check out how incredibly easy this recipe is!
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Bees Please Water Pitcher
Use this small pitcher as a decoration or to hold to dried flowers.
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$14.95