Make a dried flower crystal, learn beginner beekeeping: 41 plant and garden activities to try in January | Home & Garden

Make a dried flower crystal, learn beginner beekeeping: 41 plant and garden activities to try in January | Home & Garden

by Home And Garden

It might be bitter cold outside in January, but there are plenty of workshops and talks to make things for your garden and learn something new.

There are workshops to make suet for birds and planters for indoors. There are talks about Lancaster County’s tree treasures and how to manage a wild garden. There’s a yoga class inside a greenhouse and a walk to learn how to identify trees.

Here’s a roundup of garden events, virtual and in-person, in the Lancaster County region this January.

Tuesday, Jan. 4 (starts) Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference. The virtual pre-conference from Pasa Sustainable Agriculture continues through Jan. 28. Full pre-conference is $150 for adults, $15 per session or $25 for keynotes. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m. Monarch Butterfly Migration talk by Jean Kelley about her trip to Mexico to see the Monarch migration, for Lititz Garden Club at Lititz Public Library. Register at lititzgardenclub@gmail.com.

Friday, Jan. 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dried Flower Crystal Workshop. In this drop-in class from Central Market Flowers, decorate a crystal with dried plants at 258 N. Queen St. $20. Reserving a spot online is recommended. 

Friday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m. (and more dates) Serenity Floral Arrangement Workshop with Alice’s Table. In this virtual class, make a holiday floral arrangement. $72 (includes materials shipped to your home). Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m. Second Saturday Gardening Series: All About Hydrangeas. This online class from Penn State Extension will cover how to select, grow and prune hydrangeas. $10. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Second Saturday Gardening Series: New Year’s Resolutions for Your Yard. This online class from Penn State Extension will cover how to landscape your yard and add new plants. $5. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m. Airplant Dream Catcher Workshop. Make a hanging air plant wreath at Ken’s Garden, 3552 W. Newport Road, Ronks. $35, includes materials. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m. Coral Reef Succulent Terrarium Workshop. Make a coral reef terrarium with air plants and succulents at Ken’s Garden, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike Smoketown. $45, includes materials. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Botanical Photography and Growing Gardeners. This online workshop from Penn State Extension will cover how to how to take better photos in the garden and how to get children interested in gardening. $15 ($20 after Dec. 1). Register online. 

Sunday, Jan. 9, 1-3 p.m. Guided Nature Walk: Native and Invasive Tree Identification. Learn how to ID trees in the winter, using bark and budding patterns at Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Road, Hallam. $15. Register online. 

Sunday, Jan. 20, 2-3 p.m. 21st Century Landscapes. In this virtual talk from Scott Arboretum, George Coombs, director of horticulture at Mt. Cuba Center, proposes a new horticultural paradigm for the 21st century that seeks to build a more resilient nature, in your backyard and beyond. Free. Register online. 

Monday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m. Tree Treasures of Lancaster County. Learn about special local trees in this talk from Lancaster Garden Club at Salem United Church of Christ, 2312 Marietta Ave., Rohrerstown. $5 donation for non-members.

Thursday, Jan. 13, noon-1 p.m. Travels at Twelve: Singapore, the City within a Garden. In this virtual talk from Scott Arboretum, explore the gardens of Singapore. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m. (and Jan. 27) Master Watershed Steward Information Session. In this webinar, learn about Penn State Extension’s watershed program. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Winter Barnwood Box Workshop. In this online workshop from Terrarium Therapy, learn how to make a succulent-filled planter. $70, includes shipping. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oral Histories for the Community Garden. In this online lecture from Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, learn how to conduct an oral history to preserve your community garden’s memory. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 13, 7 p.m. America’s Public Gardens. In this webinar from Wild Ones, take a journey to some of America’s public gardens. Free. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 15, 11 a.m. Whimsical Winter Succulent Terrarium Workshop. Make a terrarium in a bubble bowl at Ken’s Garden, 3552 W. Newport Road, Ronks. $45, includes materials. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 15, 11 a.m. Epiphyte Wall Mount Workshop. Mount a bromeliad or staghorn fern on a wood frame at Ken’s Garden, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike Smoketown. $35, includes materials. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 15, 11-12:30 p.m. For Us and Them: Edible Native Plants to Feed Us All. This webinar from Mt. Cuba Center will share how to create beautiful, edible landscapes that feed people and wildlife. $25. Register online. 

Jan. 17 (starts). Floral Design Basics. This self-paced online course from Longwood Gardens covers the foundational skills needed to create floral arrangements. $99. Register online through May 19. 

Jan. 17 (starts). Floral Design Basics II. This self-paced online course from Longwood Gardens expands on skills learned in the basics class. $99. Register online through May 19.  

Wednesday, Jan. 19, 6-7 p.m. Shalimar Gardens: A Gem of Islamic Garden Design. In this online lecture from Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, take a virtual tour of these storied gardens in Punjab, India. $30. Register online. 

Wednesday, Jan. 19, 6-7:30 p.m. Floral Spotlight: Philadelphia. This online talk from Longwood Gardens explores how Philadelphia influenced Pierre S. du Pont and includes a floral design demonstration. $29. Register online. 

Wednesday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m. (starts) Woods in Your Backyard Series. In this nine-session webinar from Penn State Extension, learn how to manage woodlots less than 10 acres. $45. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 20, noon-1 p.m. Travels at Twelve/Namibia: Further Photogenic Travels in Africa. In this virtual talk from Scott Arboretum, explore the landscapes of Namibia. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 20, 5-7 p.m. (starts) The Wild Garden, Designed. This online course (in four sessions) from Longwood Gardens explores how to create a thriving “wild garden” landscape. $129. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 22, 7:45-9 a.m. Yoga in the Greenhouse. Take a yoga class from The Yoga Place inside the greenhouse at Esbenshades, 546 E. 28th Division Highway, Lititz. $15. Register at 717-626-7007 or online. 

Saturday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m. Boho Winter Succulent Workshop. Create a succulent-filled urn at Ken’s Garden, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike Smoketown. $40, includes materials. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m. Succulent Shoe Workshop. Create a succulent garden in a shoe (yours or one from Ken’s thrifted collection) at Ken’s Garden, 3552 W. Newport Road, Ronks. $35, includes materials. Register online. 

Sunday, Jan. 23, 1:30-3 p.m. (and Tuesday, Jan. 25, 1:30-3 p.m.) Winter Seed Stroll with Lancaster County Parks Department. Meet at 539 Golf Road, Ballfield 1 Parking Lot. All ages. $3 per person. Register by noon, Jan.21 online. 

Tuesday, Jan. 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m. A Guide to Creating a New Garden. In this online lecture from Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, author and gardener Page Dickey explores how to make a garden from scratch. $30. Register online. 

Wednesday, Jan. 26, noon (starts) Tree Tenders Training Series. In this seven-session webinar from Penn State Extension, learn how to care for trees with the Tree Tenders program. $40. Register online. 

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Growing Dahlias: Early Spring Preparation. This online class from Longwood Gardens explores how to prep for a great dahlia garden. $29. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 27, noon-1 p.m. Travels at Twelve: Chasing the Wild Clematis. In this virtual talk from Scott Arboretum, follow a clematis hunter’s journeys around the world. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 27, 1 p.m. The Language of Flowers. Learn about how flowers and colors convey messages in this talk from the Women’s Garden Club of Lancaster County at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 St. Thomas Rd., Lancaster. $5 for non-members.

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 6-7 p.m. How Lancaster Can Change the Way We Think About Climate Change with Lancaster Conservancy. This virtual lecture will share how a non-partisan climate approach could address environmental challenges while building stronger communities. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m. Conversations with Great American Gardeners: Michael Balick. In this virtual talk from American Horticultural Society, Balick, a world-renowned ethnobotanist at the New York Botanical Garden will talk about his work to document plant diversity, preserve knowledge and help communities manage their resources. $20. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. (and more dates) Powder Perfect Arrangement Workshop with Alice’s Table. In this virtual class, make a winter floral arrangement. $72 (includes materials shipped to your home). Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 29, 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. New beekeeper workshop with Lancaster County Beekeepers Society at The Gathering Place, 6 Pine St., Mount Joy. $85, includes food and a one-year membership to the society. Register online or at the door (if seats are available, $10 extra).

Saturday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m. Suet Cake-Making Workshop. Learn how to make two types of suet cakes for birds at Ken’s Garden, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike Smoketown. $25, includes materials. Register online. 

And looking into February:

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m. How to Grow Anemone and Ranunculus workshop at Flourish Flowers, East Earl. $78, includes materials to make a small arrangement. Register online. 

Wednesday, Feb. 2, noon-12:30 p.m. Virtual Lunchtime Tour: The Winter Garden. In this virtual talk from Scott Arboretum, explore the beauty of the winter garden. Free. Join online. 

Thursday, Feb. 3, noon-1 p.m. Travels at Twelve: The Legacy of Great Dixter House and Garden, the Centenary of Christopher Lloyd’s Birth. In this virtual talk from Scott Arboretum, learn more about Christopher Lloyd’s English garden. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m. Foraging in Pennsylvania and New Jersey: Finding, Identifying and Preparing Edible Wild Foods talk by Debbie Naha-Korestsky, aka The Wild Edibles Lady, for Lititz Garden Club at Lititz Public Library. Register at lititzgardenclub@gmail.com.

Friday, Feb. 4-Sunday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Orchid show and sale from Susquehanna Orchid Society at Hershey Gardens. Orchid show is free but admission is charged for the gardens. Members-only preview is on Thursday, Feb. 3. 

Saturday, Feb. 5, 7:45-9 a.m. Yoga in the Greenhouse. Take a yoga class from The Yoga Place inside the greenhouse at Esbenshades, 546 E. 28th Division Highway, Lititz. $15. Register at 717-626-7007 or online. 

Saturday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m.-noon. (starts). Air Plant Sculpture class at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design with Gallery Grow. In this two-session class for children in grades 1-5, create a sculpture inspired by air plants. $43 includes air plant.  Register online. 

Sunday, Feb. 6, 1-3 p.m. Guided Nature Walk: Tracking in the Snow. Learn how to track wildlife in the snow. If there’s no snow, the focus shifts to winter plant ID at Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Road, Hallam. $15. Register online. 

That Guy from ‘Home Improvement’ Doesn’t Think NFTs Are a Thing He Should Do

That Guy from ‘Home Improvement’ Doesn’t Think NFTs Are a Thing He Should Do

by Home Improvement
That Guy from ‘Home Improvement’ Doesn’t Think NFTs Are a Thing He Should Do
That Guy from ‘Home Improvement’ Doesn’t Think NFTs Are a Thing He Should Do

A couple of times back, we wrote about Matt Damon’s cringy professional for cryptocurrency simply because of course our entry position into the forex of the youths is center-aged adult men. And glance: If Matt Damon is advertising it, it is no for a longer period great. Which is science.

But you know who is interesting, at least in the ironic feeling? Richard Karn, the person who played Al Borland on that display from your youth with Tim Allen and Pamela Anderson. Karn is 65 a long time previous, and he appears to be like like he beverages with The Most Fascinating Man in Entire world on the common when he stops by the regional his area watering hole in what is possibly a Wisconsin suburb. On Monday, Richard Karn determined that NFTs were a detail he may be fascinated in, and he partnered with a corporation termed Superfandom, which helps superstars build customized NFTs. It sounds like a grift to me, but then once more, the COVID aid bill didn’t pad my bank account sufficient for me to pay back $46,000 for a drawing of a rock.

On Tuesday, right after accomplishing his study, seemingly Mr. Karn modified his head, and he let it be recognized to the overall entire world that he did so by composing the greatest Tweet in the record of Twitter.

The irony is that Tweet is so very good that I would pay back upwards of $19 bucks for the NFT of that tweet. It is the coolest uncool matter I have at any time noticed on that hellsite.

Why did Richard Karn determine that NFTs are not a thing he needs to do? It’s unclear. In my head, I am heading to attribute it to the environmental dangers of NFTs simply because, by some means, a transaction involving the sale of a electronic drawing of a rock could eat as much strength as an total family for a 12 months. That is actual science, the Matt Damon science-the-shit-out-of-it sort. But if you’re the type of man or woman who would devote $46,000 on a rock drawing, perhaps you are also the form of person who doesn’t give a rat’s ass about the atmosphere.

In either respect, this series of replies under Karn’s tweet is virtually as fantastic as the tweet itself:

Screen Shot 2022-01-05 at 9.28.30 AM.png

See? Twitter is not all bad, at least until eventually they commenced digitally chopping it up and advertising it off as NFTs.

←
Aaron Rodgers Admits ‘Atlas Shrugged’ on Shelf Was a Troll |
COVID Arrives For Broadway And Late-Evening… Once more
→


Dustin is the founder and co-operator of Pajiba. You may well e mail him listed here, adhere to him on Twitter, or listen to his weekly Television set podcast, Podjiba.

Header Impression Resource: Getty Illustrations or photos

Dear Aggie: Sustaining the resolution to garden | Home and Garden

Dear Aggie: Sustaining the resolution to garden | Home and Garden

by Home And Garden

Dear Aggie: As a gardening New Year’s resolution, I’d like to be more sustainable in my yard. What actions can I consider?

This is a terrific plan! There are three important factors you can do to enhance sustainability in your landscape. Very first of all, keep away from pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Insecticides just really don’t zero in on insect pests, they get rid of all bugs, even the advantageous ones. Various widespread pesticides are poisonous to bees. A course of pesticides identified as neonicotinoids have been implicated in bee colony collapse condition. Also, fungicides and herbicides can upset the sensitive internet of microbial equilibrium in soils. Once this net is disturbed it is very difficult to restore.

Chemical fertilizers are wonderful for fast results, but they do practically nothing to improve the soil. If the nutrients are not taken up instantly by plants, they usually leach into waterways. On a huge scale this can lead to algal blooms. The addition of organic fertilizers like compost and manure will help the soil maintain onto water and nutrients, boost microbial action, and lessen erosion and soil compaction.

A 2nd strategy is to plant indigenous species. Native vegetation engage in a vital role in the natural environment by supporting indigenous birds and insects, primarily pollinators. Over countless numbers of yrs of evolution all of these organisms have formulated methods to get the job done together, and they all enjoy essential roles. Non-indigenous vegetation add considerably less to ecosystems. Moreover, indigenous plants have fewer management difficulties considering the fact that they are improved tailored to the regional climate and soils.

In relation to this you need to stay clear of planting flower hybrids, cultivars, and versions. Plant breeders are always developing novel bouquets, but typically the pollen and nectar is bred out of these flowers. An insect wastes treasured vitality by browsing bouquets that offer you no reward. In addition, bugs may well not figure out flowers that have been improved through breeding. In the case of bouquets that are bred for the recently well-known ‘double blooms’, the petals are so dense that insects can’t achieve the pollen or nectar. ‘Straight’ native species have not been altered and present the most aid to native pollinators.

Lastly, hold your soil lined. If you have a yard location that lies bare outside of the expanding time, plant a address crop. Affordable and simple to locate deal with crops for household gardeners involve once-a-year rye and oats. Each can be planted at the conclusion of the escalating season. They will ‘winter kill’ when temperatures get far too cold. The lifeless vegetation serves as a natural mulch, blocking early spring weeds. You can leave the mulch in location and plant by way of it, or till the put in plant make any difference into the soil. Either way, the protect crop stops erosion, loosens soil, preserves microbial activity, provides nutrition, and sequesters carbon.

Written by Sue Gwiwse, horticulture educator

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Best of Milwaukee 2021 Winners: Home Improvement

Best of Milwaukee 2021 Winners: Home Improvement

by Home Improvement

Home Improvement

Architect



Racinowski Design Studio



Finalists:

HB Designs

Kahler Slater

Lakeside Development Companies

Source 1 Project Solutions Inc

Basement / Rec Room Remodeler



Refined Renovations



Finalists:

J&J Contractors I LLC

LaBonte Construction

S.J. Janis Company, Inc.

Bathroom Remodeler



LaBonte Construction



Finalists:

Design Tech Remodeling

J&J Contractors I LLC

Refined Renovations

Closet Design



Closet Concepts



Finalists:

Design Tech Remodeling

LaBonte Construction

Electrician



Current Electric Co.



Finalists:

Edge Electric

Pieper Electric, Inc.

Roman Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Home Builder



Bielinski Homes



Finalists:

J&J Contractors I LLC

LaBonte construction

Lakeside Development Companies

Home Remodeling



LaBonte Construction

Allrite Home & Remodeling



Finalists:

J&J Contractors I LLC

Refined Renovations

Kitchen Remodeler



Design Tech Remodeling



Finalists:

J&J Contractors I LLC

LaBonte Construction

Refined Renovations

Landscaper / Lawn Maitenance 



Cream City Landscaping



Finalists:

J L Blohm's Landscaping

MC Green Services

Turf Tech Elite

Plumber



Budiac Plumbing Inc



Finalists:

Alpine Plumbing Inc

Bontempo Plumbing

Milestone Plumbing, Inc.

Schoofs Plumbing Co Inc

Viking Plumbing

Roofer



Allrite Home & Remodeling



Finalists:

J&J Contractors I LLC

Reimer Roofing & Remodeling

Window & Siding



Allrite Home & Remodeling



Finalists:

J&J Contractors I LLC

Reimer Roofing & Remodeling

Weather Tight Corporation

by
Shepherd Express Staff

Jan. 05, 2022

midnight

15 Valentine’s Day Decorations For Home & Parties

15 Valentine’s Day Decorations For Home & Parties

by Home Decoration

I always feel like my living room looks totally naked once I take down my Christmas decorations. I usually leave my tree up for the first few days of January, and then immediately replace all of my red, green, silver, and gold decor with swaths of red, pink, and white ahead of Valentine’s Day. From heart-shaped garland to pretty tabletop signs, Valentine’s Day decorations are a festive and fun way to transition from the winter holiday season into a season filled with love.

Honestly, I used to think that Valentine’s Day decorations should be reserved solely for classroom parties in elementary schools, but the harder I lean into this particular holiday, the happier I feel. I never thought that pops of red roses to dot my mantle and wooden Conversation Hearts to fill a giant glass bowl in the center of my kitchen table would be my go-to seasonal decorations, but somehow it happened.

If you’re looking to fill your home with all things red, pink, and heart-covered, this list of Valentine’s Day decorations has plenty to choose from. Whether you put a heart-shaped wreath on your front door or hang an LED sign in your window, these decorations are the perfect way to share the love and celebrate the holiday.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Romper’s editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

1

A Wooden Welcome Sign

If you’re looking for a way to welcome guests to your home with plenty of love in honor of Valentine’s Day, this wooden sign is the perfect way to do just that. The rustic sign is made from brown wood that’s been painted a distressed white and has the word “Love” printed in black on the front with a red heart in place of the “O” so it’s adorably festive.

Lean this decorative sign up against your home on your front porch or use the attached d-ring on the back to hang it up in your entryway. Whether you use it indoors or out, this cute sign is a sweet way to decorate for Valentine’s Day.

2

Heart Wreath

Who says that red berry wreaths are only supposed to be hung up for Christmas? This heart-shaped wreath is covered in a variety of heart-shaped and round faux berries hanging from brown stems for a rustic look. It’s a sweet way to welcome guests to your home for Valentine’s Day.

The wreath comes complete with a sheer red ribbon that’s tied into a bow in the middle of the heart and extends above the top of the heart so that it can be used to hang on your door or in a window. Measuring approximately 16 inches tall and 17 inches across, this wreath can be used both indoors and out.

3

Valentine’s Day Gnomes

I don’t know what it is about gnomes that just scream “cute home decor” to me, but when you dress them up with the signature colors of any holiday, they basically become an indispensable part of my decorating spree. For Valentine’s Day, this three-pack of tiny, decorative gnomes from Target is a fun choice to add some sweetness to your home.

Each gnome stands approximately 7.25-inches tall, so you can put them just about anywhere — your mantle, a shelf, a tiered tray, or anywhere else you want to spread the love in your home. They’re outfitted in red, white, and pink wool hats with hearts, so they’re just perfect for the holiday.

4

A Fun LED Sign

This fun Valentine’s Day sign is a cute way to let Cupid know that your house should definitely be on his list of places to grace with his presence for the holiday. Show your family and friends some love when you light up your tabletop, desk, mantle, or wherever else you place this LED sign for Valentine’s Day. The quirky 18-inch-tall sign reads “Cupid Stop Here!” in a fun red, pink, purple, and orange motif. The word “Stop” lights up with 21 LED bulbs thanks to a battery-operated switch that you can turn on and off when desired.

5

Valentine’s Day Flameless Candles

This trio of heart-adorned candle blocks are the perfect way to decorate your home for Valentine’s Day. The distressed paint in shades of red, pink, and off-white gives these candle holders a rustic, farmhouse look and feel, and each one is topped with a raffia twine wrapped around the top and tied in a bow. The holders come with battery-operated tea lights inside, but you can easily replace these with real tea candles if you’d like.

They’re perfect for sitting on a shelf or on your mantle to give your space a cute look for Valentine’s Day. These candle holders are so pretty that I honestly wouldn’t mind leaving them up around my home all year long.

6

An Ombre Heart Banner

This fun party banner is a pretty Valentine’s Day decoration to hang up in your home whether you’re celebrating the holiday with a party or not. The fully assembled banner comes complete with eight shades spanning from bright white to a deep, dark red with multiple shades of pink and red in between to create a beautiful ombre pattern across the garland.

Each heart measures approximately 4 inches tall and is made from sturdy card stock strung onto baker’s twine. When strung, the garland measures about 3.6 feet across in total. Hang it over your mantle, on the wall as a photo background, or across the front of a table to decorate your home.

7

A Tiered Tray

It doesn’t seem like the tiered tray trend is going away anytime soon. If you’re looking for the perfect tiered tray to display all of your favorite Valentine’s Day knick knacks, this three-tier tray from Target is a sweet choice.

The tray is made from white metal with hearts around the edge of each tier and an open heart-shaped handle at the top. It stands about 16 inches tall, so it’s ideal for tabletop use or to sit on a counter. This tray is not only ideal for Valentine’s Day decorations, but it can also be used to hold and display sweet treats for the holiday as well.

8

A Heart Tree

Whether you use it to display your child’s cards from their classroom party or simply place it on your countertop to brighten up your home, this tabletop tree is such a fun Valentine’s Day decoration. The tree itself is made from a blend of 80{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9} wool and 20{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9} aluminum wire to create the white branches, while the red hearts are made from 100{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9} wool. Each heart measures about 2.5 inches in diameter and can be squeezed open to clip cards onto the tree. This adorable decoration is great for kids’ rooms, can spruce up your kitchen table, and also looks adorable on the mantle as well.

9

A Fun Throw Pillow

Honestly, I want this Valentine’s Day throw pillow just so that I can toss it at my husband every time he gets aggravated with me. Truly, I do want to annoy him for the rest of our lives. Warm the hearts of your loved ones when you add this rectangular pillow to your couch, armchair, or bed in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

The polyester pillow can be used indoors or out, has a bright red background with miniature white hearts, and reads “I Want To Annoy You For The Rest Of Our Lives.” It’s so accurate, but in the sweetest way.

10

A Valentine’s Day Doormat

Welcome guests to your home with lots of love thanks to this adorable Valentine’s Day doormat from Pottery Barn. This doormat is dotted with dark grey Xs and white Os to symbolize hugs and kisses, as well as red paintbrush-style hearts to celebrate the season.

This thickly woven mat is made from naturally durable fiber and includes a black vinyl lining, so it’s as functional as it is fun. The rectangular mat is a standard sized doormat, measuring 18 inches tall by 30 inches wide. It’s the perfect way to give everyone who crosses your threshold a sweet welcome.

11

A Decorative Table Runner

One of my favorite ways to decorate my home for any holiday is with a fun table runner. They’re usually inexpensive and easy to move around if you need to and can be folded, so they don’t take up much storage space when not in use. This adorable Valentine’s Day table runner boasts red hearts on a white background with thin black stripes. The hearts and stripes have a weathered look to add a modern, decorative touch to your dining room. Choose from two sizes — 16 by 72 inches or 16 by 90 inches — in either cotton twill or polyester twill fabric.

12

Decorative Felt Garland

This decorative Valentine’s Day garland features 1-inch felt balls and 2-inch felt hearts in colors of red, pink, and white with pretty swirl and dot patterns. If you’re hosting a Valentine’s Day party, you can use this garland as a photo backdrop, string it across the front of a snack table, or use it to decorate your mantle.

You can order different lengths from 4 feet long up to 24 feet long depending on where you’d like to hang the garland. The 100{d4d1dfc03659490934346f23c59135b993ced5bc8cc26281e129c43fe68630c9} wool felt shapes can be moved across the string, so if you need to adjust the spacing or arrangement, you can. Once you find the spacing you like though, the shapes won’t move.

13

A Heart-Shaped Window Decoration

If you miss the way that your front yard looks all lit up with Christmas lights, try using a pre-lit window decoration like this one to spruce up your home ahead of Valentine’s Day. Let the world know that Cupid has arrived at your home just in time for the holiday with this red lighted heart with an arrow through it.

Hang this adorable heart-shaped window silhouette decoration indoors or out, using the included plug and 25-inch cord to illuminate the clear mini bulbs that dot the interior of the red heart. This Valentine’s Day decoration comes fully assembled, so all you have to do is hang it up using the included suction cup and plug it in.

14

Wooden Conversation Hearts

What’s better than a box of sweet (but also sort of chalky, let’s be honest) Conversation Hearts? These adorable wooden hearts that look just like the real thing, that’s what. Each heart measures approximately 5 inches across and you can use them to decorate your home for Valentine’s Day.

Each colorful heart is sold separately and features a different phrase like “sweet” or “kiss” on them. Select which color and word combination works best with your home decor style, or purchase a variety to add color to a tiered tray, centerpiece, shelf, or anywhere else you want to decorate for Valentine’s Day.

15

Love Tabletop Sign

Add this stylish tabletop sign to your collection of Valentine’s Day decorations and spread the love this season. The looping design reads “love” in shining gold letters crafted from metal on a black, rectangular base. Since it’s neutral in color, this decorative sign pairs well with most home decor styles and won’t clash with any of your bright red, pink, and white Valentine’s decorations.

The sign itself measures approximately 18 inches in length and stands a little over 13 inches tall, so it’s ideal for decorating an end table or coffee table, placing on a shelf or countertop, or sitting center-stage in the middle of your kitchen table.

Make a dried flower crystal, learn beginner beekeeping: 41 plant and garden activities to try in January | Home & Garden

Make a dried flower crystal, learn beginner beekeeping: 40 plant and garden activities to try in January | Home & Garden

by Home And Garden

It might be bitter cold outside in January, but there are plenty of workshops and talks to make things for your garden and learn something new.

There are workshops to make suet for birds and planters for indoors. There are talks about Lancaster County’s tree treasures and how to manage a wild garden. There’s a yoga class inside a greenhouse and a walk to learn how to identify trees.

Here’s a roundup of garden events, virtual and in-person, in the Lancaster County region this January.

Tuesday, Jan. 4 (starts) Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference. The virtual pre-conference from Pasa Sustainable Agriculture continues through Jan. 28. Full pre-conference is $150 for adults, $15 per session or $25 for keynotes. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m. Monarch Butterfly Migration talk by Jean Kelley about her trip to Mexico to see the Monarch migration, for Lititz Garden Club at Lititz Public Library. Register at lititzgardenclub@gmail.com.

Friday, Jan. 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dried Flower Crystal Workshop. In this drop-in class from Central Market Flowers, decorate a crystal with dried plants at 258 N. Queen St. $20. Reserving a spot online is recommended. 

Friday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m. (and more dates) Serenity Floral Arrangement Workshop with Alice’s Table. In this virtual class, make a holiday floral arrangement. $72 (includes materials shipped to your home). Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m. Second Saturday Gardening Series: All About Hydrangeas. This online class from Penn State Extension will cover how to select, grow and prune hydrangeas. $10. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Second Saturday Gardening Series: New Year’s Resolutions for Your Yard. This online class from Penn State Extension will cover how to landscape your yard and add new plants. $5. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m. Airplant Dream Catcher Workshop. Make a hanging air plant wreath at Ken’s Garden, 3552 W. Newport Road, Ronks. $35, includes materials. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m. Coral Reef Succulent Terrarium Workshop. Make a coral reef terrarium with air plants and succulents at Ken’s Garden, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike Smoketown. $45, includes materials. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Botanical Photography and Growing Gardeners. This online workshop from Penn State Extension will cover how to how to take better photos in the garden and how to get children interested in gardening. $15 ($20 after Dec. 1). Register online. 

Sunday, Jan. 9, 1-3 p.m. Guided Nature Walk: Native and Invasive Tree Identification. Learn how to ID trees in the winter, using bark and budding patterns at Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Road, Hallam. $15. Register online. 

Monday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m. Tree Treasures of Lancaster County. Learn about special local trees in this talk from Lancaster Garden Club at Salem United Church of Christ, 2312 Marietta Ave., Rohrerstown. $5 donation for non-members.

Thursday, Jan. 13, noon-1 p.m. Travels at Twelve: Singapore, the City within a Garden. In this virtual talk from Scott Arboretum, explore the gardens of Singapore. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m. (and Jan. 27) Master Watershed Steward Information Session. In this webinar, learn about Penn State Extension’s watershed program. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Winter Barnwood Box Workshop. In this online workshop from Terrarium Therapy, learn how to make a succulent-filled planter. $70, includes shipping. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oral Histories for the Community Garden. In this online lecture from Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, learn how to conduct an oral history to preserve your community garden’s memory. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 13, 7 p.m. America’s Public Gardens. In this webinar from Wild Ones, take a journey to some of America’s public gardens. Free. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 15, 11 a.m. Whimsical Winter Succulent Terrarium Workshop. Make a terrarium in a bubble bowl at Ken’s Garden, 3552 W. Newport Road, Ronks. $45, includes materials. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 15, 11 a.m. Epiphyte Wall Mount Workshop. Mount a bromeliad or staghorn fern on a wood frame at Ken’s Garden, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike Smoketown. $35, includes materials. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 15, 11-12:30 p.m. For Us and Them: Edible Native Plants to Feed Us All. This webinar from Mt. Cuba Center will share how to create beautiful, edible landscapes that feed people and wildlife. $25. Register online. 

Jan. 17 (starts). Floral Design Basics. This self-paced online course from Longwood Gardens covers the foundational skills needed to create floral arrangements. $99. Register online through May 19. 

Jan. 17 (starts). Floral Design Basics II. This self-paced online course from Longwood Gardens expands on skills learned in the basics class. $99. Register online through May 19.  

Wednesday, Jan. 19, 6-7 p.m. Shalimar Gardens: A Gem of Islamic Garden Design. In this online lecture from Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, take a virtual tour of these storied gardens in Punjab, India. $30. Register online. 

Wednesday, Jan. 19, 6-7:30 p.m. Floral Spotlight: Philadelphia. This online talk from Longwood Gardens explores how Philadelphia influenced Pierre S. du Pont and includes a floral design demonstration. $29. Register online. 

Wednesday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m. (starts) Woods in Your Backyard Series. In this nine-session webinar from Penn State Extension, learn how to manage woodlots less than 10 acres. $45. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 20, noon-1 p.m. Travels at Twelve/Namibia: Further Photogenic Travels in Africa. In this virtual talk from Scott Arboretum, explore the landscapes of Namibia. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 20, 5-7 p.m. (starts) The Wild Garden, Designed. This online course (in four sessions) from Longwood Gardens explores how to create a thriving “wild garden” landscape. $129. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 22, 7:45-9 a.m. Yoga in the Greenhouse. Take a yoga class from The Yoga Place inside the greenhouse at Esbenshades, 546 E. 28th Division Highway, Lititz. $15. Register at 717-626-7007 or online. 

Saturday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m. Boho Winter Succulent Workshop. Create a succulent-filled urn at Ken’s Garden, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike Smoketown. $40, includes materials. Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m. Succulent Shoe Workshop. Create a succulent garden in a shoe (yours or one from Ken’s thrifted collection) at Ken’s Garden, 3552 W. Newport Road, Ronks. $35, includes materials. Register online. 

Sunday, Jan. 23, 1:30-3 p.m. (and Tuesday, Jan. 25, 1:30-3 p.m.) Winter Seed Stroll with Lancaster County Parks Department. Meet at 539 Golf Road, Ballfield 1 Parking Lot. All ages. $3 per person. Register by noon, Jan.21 online. 

Tuesday, Jan. 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m. A Guide to Creating a New Garden. In this online lecture from Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, author and gardener Page Dickey explores how to make a garden from scratch. $30. Register online. 

Wednesday, Jan. 26, noon (starts) Tree Tenders Training Series. In this seven-session webinar from Penn State Extension, learn how to care for trees with the Tree Tenders program. $40. Register online. 

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Growing Dahlias: Early Spring Preparation. This online class from Longwood Gardens explores how to prep for a great dahlia garden. $29. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 27, noon-1 p.m. Travels at Twelve: Chasing the Wild Clematis. In this virtual talk from Scott Arboretum, follow a clematis hunter’s journeys around the world. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 27, 1 p.m. The Language of Flowers. Learn about how flowers and colors convey messages in this talk from the Women’s Garden Club of Lancaster County at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 St. Thomas Rd., Lancaster. $5 for non-members.

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 6-7 p.m. How Lancaster Can Change the Way We Think About Climate Change with Lancaster Conservancy. This virtual lecture will share how a non-partisan climate approach could address environmental challenges while building stronger communities. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m. Conversations with Great American Gardeners: Michael Balick. In this virtual talk from American Horticultural Society, Balick, a world-renowned ethnobotanist at the New York Botanical Garden will talk about his work to document plant diversity, preserve knowledge and help communities manage their resources. $20. Register online. 

Thursday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. (and more dates) Powder Perfect Arrangement Workshop with Alice’s Table. In this virtual class, make a winter floral arrangement. $72 (includes materials shipped to your home). Register online. 

Saturday, Jan. 29, 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. New beekeeper workshop with Lancaster County Beekeepers Society at The Gathering Place, 6 Pine St., Mount Joy. $85, includes food and a one-year membership to the society. Register online or at the door (if seats are available, $10 extra).

Saturday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m. Suet Cake-Making Workshop. Learn how to make two types of suet cakes for birds at Ken’s Garden, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike Smoketown. $25, includes materials. Register online. 

And looking into February:

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m. How to Grow Anemone and Ranunculus workshop at Flourish Flowers, East Earl. $78, includes materials to make a small arrangement. Register online. 

Wednesday, Feb. 2, noon-12:30 p.m. Virtual Lunchtime Tour: The Winter Garden. In this virtual talk from Scott Arboretum, explore the beauty of the winter garden. Free. Join online. 

Thursday, Feb. 3, noon-1 p.m. Travels at Twelve: The Legacy of Great Dixter House and Garden, the Centenary of Christopher Lloyd’s Birth. In this virtual talk from Scott Arboretum, learn more about Christopher Lloyd’s English garden. Free. Register online. 

Thursday, Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m. Foraging in Pennsylvania and New Jersey: Finding, Identifying and Preparing Edible Wild Foods talk by Debbie Naha-Korestsky, aka The Wild Edibles Lady, for Lititz Garden Club at Lititz Public Library. Register at lititzgardenclub@gmail.com.

Friday, Feb. 4-Sunday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Orchid show and sale from Susquehanna Orchid Society at Hershey Gardens. Orchid show is free but admission is charged for the gardens. Members-only preview is on Thursday, Feb. 3. 

Saturday, Feb. 5, 7:45-9 a.m. Yoga in the Greenhouse. Take a yoga class from The Yoga Place inside the greenhouse at Esbenshades, 546 E. 28th Division Highway, Lititz. $15. Register at 717-626-7007 or online. 

Sunday, Feb. 6, 1-3 p.m. Guided Nature Walk: Tracking in the Snow. Learn how to track wildlife in the snow. If there’s no snow, the focus shifts to winter plant ID at Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Road, Hallam. $15. Register online.