As of today, because we have had such a warm January, nature in the Netherlands is now three weeks ahead of schedule. But how does anyone really know? Who is doing the year-to-year comparisons? Where are they based? What else do they notice?

Birds are productive friends. They help pollinate plants and control pests during the growing season, so that we have more food and bloom production. Their high-energy lifestyle, though, demands lots of fat and a healthy dose of carbohydrates if they are to maintain a body temperature of 108°F.

It's easy and it's free

YourGardenShow.com has launched a new tool for gardening, "Glog" - the garden log - where you can keep track of your garden activities, get expert advice and share tips with other gardeners.

The U.S. White House is getting ready for this year's spring planting and so are we!