Do you know that feeling when you open the door first thing in the morning and you take a deep breath of fresh air? I was rewarded with a breath of spring! Finally, after what has seemed like a long and dreary winter to me, the wind, the birds, the soil, and the plants can sense the change.

Inside the picket fence you will see a beautiful tulip tree and many other signs of warmer weather and spring arrivals. May I digress for a moment? Do you know where these beautiful gardens are located? Here we go: Highway 37 to Quitman, turn onto the road heading into Hogg Park (across from Wood County Electric), continue down this park road as it winds around in front of the gazebo on the right, and slow down as you approach the George Bridge. You have arrived at the Wood County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Do you see the stately post-Civil War home in the distance? Welcome to the Stinson House!

Sorry about that brief pause in this week’s report on plants and events. As you slowly drive along the park road watch for redbud, clumps of oxalis, wild violets, forsythia and camelia. These specimens have been tucked in alongside years of accumulated pine needles. Acidic soil can be a good thing when you know what will flourish in it. It is now time to park the car and walk around this beautiful setting. Information about educational and craft classes can be found on our website, Facebook page and in this column. Have you registered for the Rainwater Harvesting class? There is a big plant sale coming in April. Stick with me, and I shall do my best to keep you updated. We work there on Wednesdays. Please join us. The coffee is on.