Fuchsias bloom on new wood and are easier to prune now after a frost. They need the hair cut to be beautiful next spring. I don't grow my hair as long as I can because it glues to the top of my flat head from the weight. I prune fuchsia back to the edge of the pot with a round top. Or I pull and stake them up to be confined to the edge of the pot. The in ground ones I cut them off as the stem starts to edge over and droop. It's winter time, we and the plants rest. We get to start over soon enough. I get out an cut out all the slimy stuff that glues other plants down like jellied impatiens. But I don't touch the euphorbia because I want it to come back. And there is a big brown frond on the tree fern that is protecting everything below it that stays too. Personally I don't like a bunch of jury rigged junk thrown over my garden because it is too unsightly. I bring some pots in and pull others close under the eaves. Other then that it's winter time and it's best just to rake leaves and be neat.

They don't seem to be as happy this year. Maybe it is my imagination or maybe they got too much rain. They are just about ready to bloom. Beegood ~ We should go plant shopping today. It is so beautiful that I should be out in the garden but prefer air conditioning in the heat of the afternoon. You up for coffee at Greenland?

Mo, I got some seed of Crimson Clover that I need to get outside and scatter around. The bees do adore clover, don't they? I forgot about that one. They also love the dandelions, too, and I let mine grow because not only the bees love them, but the spring migrating Monarchs use them as a nectar plant, too. The bees seem to enjoy the henbit as well, so yes, I have a weedy lot on purpose. We have taken so much away from our little beneficials that I feel like I can give back and sacrifice some lawn weeds for them. These "weeds" bloom before my other plants in early spring so I rely on them for nectar and pollen, and so do the bees and butterflies. I'll be interested in seeing how your Crimson Clover does for you. Please chime in and let us know when it comes up. A median strip over by one of the schools here was devoted to Crimson Clover, and it's always so pretty when it blooms. I hope yours, and mine, do too! I wish I had room for a Chaste Tree, but I don't. I have 3 Rose of Sharons in the back yard, but I never notice the bees on them as much. I can't wait til spring! Susan

FYI, Oxygen is damaging to skin and other cells of the body. The fact that your body can use it to convert into energy is because oxygen gas (in the air) forms high energy chemical bonds, which your metabolism breaks and then traps the energy. Oxygen damages DNA, fatty acids (ie skin membranes) and other cells in your body. That's why ANTI-oxidants are good for you - Vitamin C, E etc neutralize oxidants when applied externally or taken internally. I find it really hilarious that people think increasing oxygen will make you look younger. No, it won't. A vigorous, stimulating bath might hydrate your skin, making it temporarily look better - but nothing to do with the oxygen content.