Looking for a shrub which just as spring arrives bears the most unusual flowers not only in color but form as well and smell sweet, too? Then look no further, for the Sweetshrub, Calycanthus floridus, also know as Carolina Allspice is the one for you.

First day of spring is just around the corner now. Even though it is still cold, we can look forward to nice, sunny days comfortable enough to step in the garden, do some tasks such as cleaning, preparing beds, planning etc.

On a cold, dreary day, few things seem more uplifting than bundling up and making an effort to step in the garden; and, while most of the vegetation is asleep or barely coming out of dormancy, I can find cheery blooms of crocus popping up at all sorts of unexpected places, a sure fix for the winter doldrums.

Just the other day, as I was getting some dried Goji berries out to add to the breakfast cereal, it occurred to me how very versatile berries are: whereas summer berries like blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are a treat for our palate and good for health too, fall and winter berries, with little doubt, are a feast for the eyes which we look forward to all year long.