Full Moon: The Full Moon for February, 2013 will occur on the 25th. It was originally named Hunger Moon by many Native American tribes living in cold and temperate climates who suffered from lack of food during this month. It has also been referred to as the Snow Moon because snow was often its deepest in certain parts of North America.

Special Notes: "Punxsutawney Phil" will make his famous and much anticipated prediction on the coming of Spring on Saturday, February 2nd. If he sees his shadow, he will retreat to his borrow and there will be 6 more weeks of Winter. If he doesn’t, there will be an early Spring (let’s all hope and pray for the latter!). Since the famous groundhog’s first prediction in 1887, Phil has seen his shadow 99 times and failed to spot it just 16 times (missing only 9 years) and according to the official site, www.groundhog.org, he has been 100% correct!

Holidays: February 2nd is also Candelmas Day, the Christian Festival of Lights. The day was traditionally marked by the presence of many more candles at mass services than usual. Not only did the candles provide more light but many truly believed then that they warded off illness and plague from the coming year. Shrove Tuesday, February 12th marks the beginning of Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday follows on February 13th. Remember to celebrate your love by doing something extra special for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14th. The birthdays of Washington and Lincoln both fall in this month (Friday, the 22nd and Tuesday, 12th respectively) and are honored on President’s Day, Monday, February 18th.

The Garden: Spring is right around the corner (despite the cold weather, snow, and rain predicted this month!). Consider pruning fruit tress prior to signs of any new growth. Apply first application of crabgrass inhibitor to control grassy weeds in all types of lawns. Now is the best time to trim roses, ornamental grasses and deciduous shrubs. When the ground softens, start digging your vegetable beds. Apply lime and well-rotted manure as needed along with decomposed garden compost. Be sure to give your asparagus beds an extra covering of that rich compost. It is safe to put out some cool season vegetable plants in late February. Even though the weather can be quite wet, shrubs may still need some watering if they are protected by overhangs from the rain. Be sure the temperature is well above freezing. And please remember to feed the birds!