In ancient Mexico, the gemstone Turquoise was reserved for the gods; it could not be worn by mere mortals. Legend has it that some Native Americans believed that if Turquoise was affixed to a bow, the arrows shot from it would always hit their mark. By the 16th century, the cultures of the American Southwest were using Turquoise as currency.

Now, turquoise is the color of our daydreams; of the calm, glass-like ocean waters of tropical destinations. It is for both turquoise’s ancient significance and its modern power to invoke calming thoughts that Pantone has chosen turquoise as its 2010 color of the year.

In a recent press release, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, stated, “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Turquoise is a wonderfully versatile design color, as it is appealing to both males and females. When incorporated into designs, whether it is fashion, home décor, or in the garden, turquoise has the ability to make every other color around it really pop. To invoke the naturally energizing, yet somehow correspondingly peaceful and tranquil properties of turquoise, try some of these inspirational ideas on for size.

Color Your Home & Garden with Turquoise

• If you’d like to incorporate some natural turquoise color into your garden, you’ll love the Himalayan Blue Poppy, one of the most vivid turquoise flowers you’ll find. This bright bud is originally from the Himalayan Mountains. It will grow best in zones 6-8, and in semi-shaded spots. If you live in a warm zone, you should avoid planting these in a spot where they will receive sun at the warmest parts of the day. Just look at that brilliant color. Gorgeous!

• Check out these ideas from the House of Turquoise blog. These are a terrific example of how turquoise can truly fit into any color scheme when it comes to home and garden decorating. A turquoise window here, a turquoise door there… these shades of turquoise are light, fresh, and very airy.

The House of Turquoise Blog:

• For more saturated color, choose richer shades of turquoise. These deeper shades inspire thoughts of royalty, while brighter shades are warm and energizing.

• If you’d like to mix turquoise with other bold colors, rather than neutrals, designer Amy Butler is a terrific place to look for inspiration. Her fabrics prove that turquoise matches literally any other color! Against brown, it creates a cool, earthy effect. But when used as a backdrop for fuschia, mimosa, violet, tangerine, and lime, these colors burst with life. Just take a look at some of her new prints in her Love collection. They are  positively vibrant.

Amy Butler’s Garden-inspired Designs:

From left: Botanical Interest Seeds, lettuce seedlings by Talitha Purdy

By now you’ve probably noticed that we have an awesome new category to shop here at aHa! Modern Living. Starting From Seed contains a selection of vegetable and herb seeds to get you started with growing your own colorful, nutritious, and scrumptious produce.  We recommend that you check back frequently in the coming weeks. We are working diligently so that we can soon make even more types of seeds available!

Why Start From Seed?

So, when you can go to the grocery store and pick out an entire basket of tomatoes, why should you take the time to grow your own? Well, basically put, starting from seed is the best, if not the only, way to know exactly what you are getting in your food. When you buy a tomato at the store, it may be genetically engineered. For example, a cold water fish gene may have been crossed with the tomato in order to make the product more resilient to frost. It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, but it’s not! It’s real life!

Why should I buy my seeds from aHa Modern Living?

We think it is super important to buy and consume locally grown produce. And what’s more local than your own backyard? You also earn aHa! Reward Points for buying your seeds from us.  Most of the seeds that we sell in our Starting From Seed category are:

• Certified organic, meaning that they do not contain any nasty chemicals or pesticides.
• Heirloom variety, meaning that they have not been genetically engineered.

How do I begin my own home garden?

Once you have received your organic heirloom seeds, you will use a simple process called seed starting. This is an essential step to allow your plants to root before introducing them to the harsh conditions of the outside world. If you are nervous about trying to grow your own herbs and vegetables, there is nothing wrong with starting slowly. Try beginning with basil. This herb lends itself well to home germination and is pretty much a surefire bet.

1. Gather containers. To start your seeds, you will need small containers that are just 2-3 inches deep. Last year’s nursery flats will work well, or plastic egg cartons, or dixie cups. Save time by planting and transplanting in CowPots (learn more about the benefits of CowPots). If you’re re-using containers, wash them out well using a hot water and couple tablespoons of bleach or white vinegar. Make sure each container has a small hole in the bottom, and set each container on a tray to accommodate water drainage.
2. Create a nourishing growing medium. We recommend purchasing a bag of seedling starting mix, then blending in some well-aged compost to give your seeds a healthy beginning.
3. Carefully sow your seeds. Make sure your soil is evenly moist, but not swampy, before dropping in your seeds. Cover each seed to a depth that is only about 3 times the thickness of the seed itself. Or, if the seed needs light to germinate, do not cover it at all. Some examples of seeds that need light to germinate are snapdragons and petunias.
4. Protect your seeds. Lightly sprinkle milled sphagnum moss, a natural fungicide, over the containers to protect them from damping-off, a fungal disease that rots seeds. In the case of seeds that need light to germinate, sprinkle the moss first and then drop the seeds onto the moss. Next, create a mini greenhouse by covering your containers with a plastic bag to keep the environment humid, and place them near a heat vent. If you’d like, you can even purchase a heat mat that is specifically made for seed starting. Most seeds germinate well at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Keep the seeds damp. You can put a little bit of water in your trays so that the seeds absorb moisture from below, or mist the containers with a spray bottle of water.
6. Transfer the seedlings to a light source. At the first signs of sprouting, uncover your seedlings and move the trays to a light source, such as a sunny window, a greenhouse, or underneath some fluorescent shop lights. Your seedlings need 12 to 16 hours of light a day. They do not need as much heat at this point, so you can move them away from the heating vent or heat mat. Make sure, however, that they do receive the amount of concentrated light that is necessary.
7. Fertilize your seedlings. As soon as they get their first true leaves, your seedlings are ready for food. Water them with a half-strength solution of organic liquid fish emulsion/seaweed fertilizer once a week. Use either a spray bottle, or add the fertilizer to the water you place in the trays, (in the method that is described in step 5).
8. “Harden them off.” This process means that you will prepare your plants for the harshness of the outside world. It is important to gently acclimate them so as not to shock them.  On a warm day, move the containers to a shaded, protected place outdoors for a few hours. Each day for one week, gradually increase the plants’ exposure to the sun and outdoor conditions. At the end of the week leave them out overnight. Then, they are ready to transplant into the garden.

Creating a customer account when you just want to buy something can be such a drag. As the owner of an online business, and someone who spends a lot of time on other websites, even I can get frustrated by trying to accomplish the most simplest of tasks like, creating a customer account. For what it’s worth, I’ve decided to produce short, video instructions to help our customers get the most out of shopping at aHa! Modern Living.  Eventually, we plan to start publishing garden-related videos.

Once your account is set up, you can start earning aHa! Rewards on every purchase for online store discounts.

Next How-to Video: Sign-up for Our Newsletter

Gardening is about nourishing the body, mind, and spirit. It is about adding color and vibrancy to both your outdoor and indoor spaces. A garden is your own personal statement, and it can say absolutely anything you want it to.  May Sarton, a 20th century poet and novelist once wrote:

“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.”

What we love about May’s philosophy is that she, like us, understood gardening to be much more than just a hobby. One of the greatest things about a gardening  lifestyle is that you’ll reap what you sow. Whatever you put into your garden, you’ll most certainly get back from it.

Now if you’re like us, you can recall your very first gardening experience as a child. We remember plucking ripe red tomatoes right off the plant in the backyard and popping them straight into our mouths. They were still slightly warm from the summer sun, and left our fingers scented with the earthy fragrance of tomato leaves. Each gardening memory is filled with sights, sounds, and scents, engaging all of our senses. It comes as no surprise, though, that our favorite gardening experience is all about taste. There’s nothing like the fresh flavor that comes straight out of a garden.

It’s all about the flavor

You’ll find that herbs, vegetables, and fruits are simply more flavorful when they’re home or locally grown. Oftentimes major chain grocery stores use a chemical gas on their produce to quicken ripening. This gas leaves produce looking pretty, but often robs it of its naturally luscious flavor. On top of that, you’ll also find that this gas causes your grocery store produce to rot very quickly once you get it home. Gross.

The best way to avoid yucky chemical gases, insecticides, and pesticides on your food? Grow your own, or buy local organic produce. You’ll discover a whole new world of flavors that have been hidden by conventional farming procedures. Local or homegrown produce is best when prepared in simple recipes. Don’t fuss over complicated dishes; when you use fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits, the flavors have the power to speak for themselves. Check out Amy Cotler’s book The Locavore Way for simple, tasty recipe ideas.

Savor fresh produce with simple recipes

For starters, try making this easy and absolutely delicious flat bread next time you entertain. We found this recipe in a recent addition of Real Simple magazine, and totally fell in love with it. It’s easy to make, and we love it every time we get to use fresh herbs from our herb garden. If butternut squash is not in season, try experimenting with what you can use from your garden, such as zucchini or tomatoes.

Butternut Squash Flat Bread with Cheddar and Pine Nuts:

1 pound of prepared pizza dough (We found pre-made whole wheat pizza dough in the prepared food section of our local cooperative food market. You could also make your own.)

1 pound of butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and sliced into 1/4 inch thick pieces

1/2 of a red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup of pine nuts

1 tablespoon of fresh thyme

1/4 teaspoon each salt and black pepper

1 tablespoon of oilve oil

1 and 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Mix together the butternut squash, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, pepper, red onion, and thyme. Next, prepare a pizza pan or cookie sheet for the crust by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, then sprinkling on a handful or yellow cornmeal. Press the pizza dough into the pan until it is the desired thickness. (We used a full size cookie sheet and ended up with a nice, thin crust.) Scatter the butternut squash mixture over the crust. Sprinkle on the cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Slice it up and serve!

Not only is this dish completely yummy, but it is wonderfully fragrant, too. It will scent your whole home with the terrific smell of fresh thyme. Try cutting this up into narrow slices at your next cocktail party. Or, serve it with a fresh fruit salad for a delicious brunch. You’ll never want to go back to flavorless prepared foods again.

If you are a Bird Lover, you have certainly by now discovered the joys of attracting these lovely little creatures to your home with a bird feeder. Birds add life and color to our backyards, and fill them with song. But did you know that how you care for your bird feeder is just as important as what feed you use? You can use a variety of different foods to attract birds to your backyard. But regardless of with what you fill your feeders, make sure to follow these safety tips to keep your bird feeders clean, and your backyard free from avian illness.

Step 1: Remove Old or Rotten Seed

Bird seed gets spread around where birds congregate. So make sure to check the ground beneath your feeders. Remove any old, damp, or rotten bird food that you see. If the ground is contaminated with bird droppings, make sure to do some cleanup. This may mean re-mulching or re-graveling the area.

Step 2: Soak Your Feeders

Perch! Bird Feeder

You must clean your bird feeders at least once per month order to keep them free from bacteria, mold, and other contaminants. Glass and ceramic feeders, such as the gorgeous Perch! Bird Feeder, may be soaked with one part bleach to nine parts hot water. After soaking the feeder, rinse it with clean water for at least 10 seconds to remove any chemical residue.

Step 3: Use Proper Equipment to Give a Good Scrub

A stiff wire brush is a good tool to have for this task. Since we are big proponents of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle mantra, we think that an old toothbrush works just as well for this task. Just make sure that you clean the toothbrush itself after using it on your bird feeder, and don’t use it for any other cleanup jobs around the house.

Step 4: Clean All Parts of the Feeder

Make sure to thoroughly clean all parts of your bird feeder. This means that if you have a feeder that is driven into the ground, such as the Glass Bird Feeding Table, you will need to clean the steel rod upon which it rests. Don’t worry, cleaning the rod is an easy task. Just fill a spray bottle with the bleach solution previously mentioned. Or, to protect grass beneath your bird feeder, fill a spray bottle with a mild solution of unscented dish detergent instead.

Eva Solo's Glass Bird Feeding Table

Step 5: Protect Yourself

Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning your bird feeders! This is very important because certain bird illnesses, such as West Nile Virus and Salmonella, can spread to humans. Wash your hands thoroughly after you remove your rubber gloves.

Step 6: Keep a Watchful Eye

Sick birds do not always exhibit outward symptoms. In the case that illness is manifesting itself symptomatically, you may notice birds with swollen eyes or membranes, poor reaction to human presence, trouble breathing, or erratic behavior. All birders will occasionally find a dead bird at or near the feeder. However, if you find more than one bird in a short period of time, or if you find several birds of the same species that have been affected, contact your local wildlife services office. Do not bring a sick or dead bird into your home under any circumstances.

aHa! Newsletter

We will be “growing” our Grow Category this February, so check back soon for new products! Or why not make it easier on yourself? You can receive updates on new products, special promotions, earn aHa! Customer Rewards, and unique content you won’t find on the blog, by subscribing to our new aHa! Modern Living E-letter. Take a peek at our December issue.

February and March are excellent months to try forcing branches to bloom inside your home. Why? Well, because by this time, outdoor temperatures have probably risen just above freezing. We all have a major case of spring fever, but all of our trees and shrubs are not yet blossoming. So with a little bit of gentle prompting, we can “force” them to bloom indoors.

How to Properly Force Branches

1. Cut the Branches When temperatures have risen above freezing, carefully cut some branches off of a tree or shrub in your yard. Select a branch with several plump buds. Cut a couple extra branches, since not all of them will successfully bloom indoors. Make sure to use a sharp blade when cutting branches, and make a smooth, clean cut so as not to disfigure your tree. The Spear & Jackson Bypass Pruners are an excellent tool for this task.

2. Bring the Branches Indoors Once you have brought the cut branches indoors, use your Hori Hori Garden Knife to carefully create a slit in the cut end of your branches. The slit should be between one and four inches long on each branch. This is so that your branches may absorb the water in which you are going to place them.

3. Trim the Branches Fill your sink or a large container with warm water. Using either your pruners or your garden knife, cut a one-inch segment off of the bottom of each of your branches. This will help to prevent air from entering the stem through the cut end, which would then block water intake. Another tool that is great for this trimming task is the Gardener’s Multi-Tool.

4. Place Branches in a Vase Place your branches in a tall pitcher or vase filled with warm water. Depending on the size of your branches, you may wish to tie them into a small bundle with a piece of twine. You may also wish to add a floral preserve, or just a teaspoon of bleach to the water to help control bacteria. We recommend the beautifully sleek and versatile Ivy Pitcher and Vase for your branches. Remove any buds that will be underneath the water level.

5. Place the Vase in a Warm Room
Place your vase(s) of branches in a warm room that is maintained between 60 and 70 degrees F. Do not place them in direct sunlight. Make sure you check the water every day to make sure it is clear. You will need to replace it with fresh, clean water every 2-3 days. Your branches may begin to bloom within one week, or they may take as long as 8 weeks, (depending on how close they were to their natural bloom time when you cut them.)

Great Plant Picks for Forcing Indoor Blooms

According to Susan Grupp, a Horticulture Professor for the University of Illinois Extension in DuPage County, the following plants will respond well to forcing. You can cut these branches from your own yard, or purchase branches from your local florist:

• Redbud
• Japanese or Flowering Quince
• Flowering Dogwood
• Vernal Witch Hazel
• Hawthorn
• Forsythia
• Honeysuckle
• Saucer Magnolia
• Star Magnolia
• Apple and Crabapple
• Flowering Almond, Cherry, and Plum
• European Pussy Willow
• Spirea
• Lilac
• Viburnum

We will be “growing” our Grow Category this February, so check back soon for new products! Or why not make it easier on yourself? You can receive updates on new products, special promotions, earn aHa! Customer Rewards, and unique content you won’t find on the blog, by subscribing to our new aHa! Modern Living E-letter. Take a peek at our December issue.

Photo source: collegian.com

No doubt you’ve heard the term “carbon footprint” floating around lately. But what exactly does this term mean? Well, it is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the environment as a result of human activities. It is referred to as a “carbon footprint” because it is measured in units of carbon dioxide.

As you may suspect, people tend to create a larger carbon footprint during the winter time, when thermostats are cranked up, and we spend much greater amount of time indoors. But there are a few simple steps we can all take in order to lessen our carbon footprint during the winter months.  If you’re a person who likes to visualize your environmental impact, calculate your baseline using The Nature Conservancy’s Carbon Footprint Calculator, then check back after a few months once you’ve implemented our suggestions to see your improvement.

Unplug:

Appliances such as your coffee maker can continue to draw up to 25% off their electricity usage when they are switched off. To kill this extra energy consumption, make sure to unplug appliances when they are not in use. In the winter, this definitely goes for your space heater, as well as your electric tea kettle.

Lighting Alternatives:

Modern Solar Lanterns When it gets dark at 5:00 pm, we all feel inclined to turn on all of the lights in our homes. If you are flicking on incandescent bulbs, you are using a known energy gobbler. Try switching out your bulbs to fluorescent ones, which are an efficient alternative. For ambient lighting, turn off the bulbs and instead go for some fragrant flickering candles. And for outdoor lighting, you’ve got to try the Modern Solar Lanterns. These lanterns soak up energy into solar panels during the day, then automatically light up at night. All it takes to power them is a single rechargable AAA battery. So efficient!

Adjust Your Thermostat:

Try to keep your thermostat under 68 degrees. Each degree set below 68°F (20°C) during colder weather uses 3 to 5 percent less heating energy than each degree set above 68°F. How can you keep your house warm without cranking up the heat? Change out your breezy linen curtains for heavier draperies, and make sure to seal up all the cracks around your doors and windows. It will also help to make sure your attic is well insulated. Hot air rises, and cold air drops, so if the space above you isn’t well insulated, this cold is descending right down on you.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

You’ve probably been hearing this maxim for years, but do you know how to effectively apply it? In order to truly adopt a green lifestyle, we must all apply not one, not two, but all three of these principles into our daily lives. If you’re feeling a little intimidated and aren’t sure where to start to make a positive change, Nancy H. Taylor has written a super helpful book for you. It’s called Go Green, and it presents simple solutions that any person can adapt to fit his or her lifestyle.

Carpool:

Blustery weather may prevent you from waiting at the bus stop, walking, and riding your bike. If this is the case, consider carpooling. This is a really practical way to conserve energy, and it can mean major monetary savings, too. Try sticking a memo up in the breakroom at work. You are sure to find other people who are interested in carpooling and saving money as well.

If you enjoy exercising outdoors, winter can be a rather frustrating time. You have spent November and December jogging on your treadmill and bending to yoga DVDs in your living room, but now you’re probably starting to get the itch to romp outside. Alas, 2 more months of frigid weather lay ahead. If you’re going to keep your New Year’s Resolution to kick your gardening bootie into shape, you better keep some variety in your workout routine.

Here is some good news: exercising outdoors, even in freezing weather, is really good for you. In fact, studies show that moderate exercisers get 20 to 30 percent fewer colds than non-exercisers do. The idea that being out in the cold can make you sick is really just a myth. (You actually are more likely to get sick indoors, around other people who are ill.) All you need to exercise outdoors in the winter is a little bit of preparation and proper planning. Don’t forget to stay motivated- there’s no need to hit the couch when it’s cold out!

Pick Eco-Friendly Activities:

Avoid gas-guzzling activities such as cruising around on a snow mobile. Make sure you keep  your activities eco-friendly. Some environmentally friendly ones to opt for are:

• Cross country skiing, which burns approximately 80 calories in just 10 minutes.
• Ice skating, which burns about 170 calories in 30 minutes.
• Snow shoveling. If you do this for an hour, you’ll burn around 290 calories.
• Hiking. If you hike for just 20 minutes, you’ll burn about 120 calories.

The amount of calories you burn does vary depending on your height, gender, and weight. To calculate your own calorie burning stats, you can use this Calories Burned Estimator.

Clothe in Layers:

One of the biggest mistakes that cold weather exercisers make is actually piling on too much clothing. Once you begin to exercise, you start to sweat. If this sweat gets trapped right against your skin, it can make you feel uncomfortably chilled.

• To properly dress, start with a thin layer of synthetic material such as polypropylene, which draws sweat away from your body. Here is a terrific selection polypropylene undergarments from OuterSports.
• Next, add a layer of fleece for insulation. At Land’s End, you can choose whether you would like a warm, warmer, or the warmest fleece depending on your climate.
• Top this with a waterproof, breathable outer layer. Avoid a super heavy jacket, such as a down one, as this will probably cause you to overheat. If it’s super cold, or you have asthma, you’ll also need a face mask or scarf over your mouth.
• Make sure you protect your extremities. Wear gloves and socks in layers, too. Your fingers and toes are a lot more vulnerable to the cold than your core is.

Drink Plenty of Fluids:

You may not feel as thirsty in the cold, but you can become dehydrated in the cold just as easily as you can in the heat. Make sure to drink water or non-caffeinated sports drinks before, during, and after your workout.

Know the Signs of Frostbite and Hypothermia:

The most common places to get frostbite are on your face, fingers, and toes. Early warning signs include paleness, numbness, loss of feeling, and/or a stinging sensation. If you suspect that you have frostbite, get out of the cold as quickly as possible. Slowly and gently warm the affected area, but avoid rubbing it. If numbness persists, you will need to seek emergency care.

Hypothermia is characterized by intense shivering, slurred speech, loss of coordination and fatigue. If you suspect that you have hypothermia, you will need to get emergency help right away. To help prevent problems, listen to your body. Remember to layer properly, and know when it is time to head for home.

Flower and garden shows are magical events, especially when they occur in early spring. As a veteran of many shows and a past show-garden creator, I have advice that might make your next garden show even better. The pictures are from the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show archives.

(1) Dress for spring gardening, not a summer garden party. Jeans, comfortable shoes and several layers will keep you happier than a flowery frock and strappy sandals, especially if there are outdoor displays. Shows like San Francisco often cover several acres, and you’ll want to see every square inch.

(2) Bring a friend, someone who totally understands when you squeal  “oh my gosh, is that a [insert object of horticultural lust here]” and is willing to trudge the last weary mile with you.

(3) Bring a camera. There is an overwhelming amount to see at a garden show. Finding the most interesting and pleasing aspects of each garden to photograph can help you…focus! And don’t stop there: post your photos to Flickr and tag them with the name of the show for others to enjoy!

(4) Keep your hands free to take notes, snap pictures, and hug your friends; wear a backpack or a cross-body messenger bag. Lightweight rolling carts are very popular among the savviest show visitors (just mind people’s shins!)

(5) Try not to touch. Yes, this is hard, but please don’t use those free hands to touch everything you see. This gentlemen gets an A+ for proper attire, but considering that 50,000 people will be seeing this garden, that plant isn’t going to last long if everyone touches it (and don’t even get me started on picking!)

(6) Curb your children. PLEASE don’t let your children climb on display gardens! I was horrified to find several youngsters romping in mine while their parents watched and smiled. Please show respect for the artists and the work they have created, and encourage your children to do the same.

(7) Meet the garden creators. The poor dears are excited, proud and exhausted too. Let them know you appreciate their work! A tip: most garden creators publish a flyer that identifies the plants and materials they’ve used. Most plants will also be labeled. So instead of asking ‘what’s that tree?’ share your experience of the garden instead!

Pop Quiz: Appropriate clothing, check! Shoulder bag, check! Show buddy, check! Pointing instead of touching, check! This garden show visitor makes the grade (unless she’s pointing at her toddler amongst the bromeliads, in which case, FAIL!)

(8) Expect it to be busy. During peak hours (mornings and weekends) this is what you’ll see, patient lines strolling slowly through the displays. Not a bad way to take a first pass, but not very conducive to lingering. (Look how nicely everyone is keeping their hands to themselves, though!)

(9) Find the quiet times. In the afternoons and evenings things calm down. Take advantage of this time to take pictures WITHOUT people in them, chat at length with the garden creators, or just sit and soak it all in with a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

And then, there’s the shopping. Most garden shows have terrific Marketplaces full of plants, hard-to-find tools, original art, garden clothing, jewelry, culinary delicacies, and more plants!

From plumerias to pansies. Many garden show visitors look forward to seeing and buying from their favorite nurseries and garden suppliers each year; it’s part of the tradition.

Buying from the source. By purchasing directly from local growers, artisans and craftsmen, show visitors support their economy and the small businesses that make marketplaces like these unique, and increasingly rare.

What do you mean the car is full? There’s ALWAYS room for more plants!

(10) Enjoy and return! Many garden shows have excellent educational seminars and workshops for gardeners of all ages and levels of experience. Come back another day to see a different speaker or meet a favorite author. Revisit a garden you missed or pick up more plants. Become a part of a small, temporary community that is all about gardening; the experience can enrich your own gardening life for years to come.

About the Author

Laura Livengood Schaub is an award winning landscape designer, photographer and garden writer turned publicist for the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show (March 24-28, 2010). If you’d like to watch a garden show grow, find us on Facebook. If you want a front row box seat, follow Laura on Twitter.

Image by Vanessa Pike-Russell

A quick perusal of the Valentine’s Day aisle at the convenience store warrants unsatisfactory results. There you’ll find nothing but chalky conversation hearts, goop-filled chocolates, cheap stuffed animals, and cheesy perfumes endorsed by even cheesier celebrities. And you don’t want to give your sweetheart the same old crap. You want to give your love something special, unique, and meaningful to commemorate Valentine’s Day, right? Right!

Here at aHa! Modern Living we have chosen our top 5 Valentine’s Day gift ideas to make it easy and fun to select a Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other. All of these items are sure to say, “you’re special, so I picked something special for you.” We think our gifts are a welcome change from the “same ole same ole,” and we’re sure your honey will think so, too.

(1) Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers

What better way to say “whooooo loves you, baby?” The Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers are a great gift for the eco-conscious recipient, since they are made from water buffalo horn. We love the idea of giving a gift that can be used and enjoyed every day. This is a terrific gift for the man or woman who loves to cook, or host dinner parties. Whether you choose to take a cue from the nakedness of the owls is up to you.

(2) Cacao and Spice Hand Lotion

Want to give something chocolaty, sweet without inducing a tummy ache? Daub and Bauble presents a delicious solution with its luxurious Cacao and Spice Hand Lotion. This delectably scented, creamy hand lotion is fragranced with a rich chocolate and cinnamon, and formulated with softening Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. For a perfect set, select the Cacao and Spice Hand Wash as well. Then deliver with the following simply sweet message: “I wanna hold your hand.”

(3) Birdie Necklace

Now it’s definitely true that most women would love to receive some gorgeous new jewelry for Valentine’s Day. But when it comes to jewelry, make sure you don’t fall into “the trap.” That is, don’t buy your wife or girlfriend the necklace that has been advertised by all the national jewelry store chains for 3 months now. That’s just boring, and she’s already seen it on television a thousand times. Instead, take a look at this creative and beautiful Birdie Necklace. It’s the perfect way to say, “you make my heart sing.”

(4) Eggling Seed Starters

Want your love to blossom and to grow? Then give your honey an Eggling Seed Starter. They come with everything the essentials, so all your schnookums will need to do is crack open the top, add the seeds, and water. It is perfect even for those who claim to kill all their houseplants. Plus… who knows… maybe the Eggling Seed Starter will help you to start your own little somethin’ somethin’.

(5) West County Garden Gloves

There is no better way to say “I glove you” than with West County Garden Gloves. These gloves are particularly unique because they are the perfect blend of both functionality and fashion. They are a great choice for work around the lawn and garden, and even have a mesh back that makes them light and breathable. Remember, though, that it’s Valentine’s Day. Don’t let the gloves do all the dirty work!