For many of us, this is resolution season.  It may be to get outside more, stop sitting around, eat better, or lose weight.  Well, this may not be the best month to get in the gardens, there are things to do.  There’s still time to plant spring bulbs, like tulips, daffodils, or alliums.   January is also a good time to get some pruning done on trees, shrubs, and woody perennials.  Doing so now allows one to see the structure of the plant better than when its covered in leaves.  Look first for any broken branches, then anything crossing or crowded branches. Once all of those are removed, step back and look at the over all shape of the plant.

Blue Daze is a relative of Morning Glories, Moon Vine, and Sweet Potato Vine.  Before it made it to garden centers and an ornamental plant it was called Dwarf Morning Glory or Ground Morning Glory.    It has the same habit of opening its flowers when it is sunny as the Morning Glory.

Like most silvery blue plants, they like it dry and hot!  They are not heavy feeders, but some slow release fertilizer at the start will kick them into high gear!  Luckily!  We put Colorstar on all of our hanging baskets, so you're all set!  hang one of these, and enjoy the intense blue all season!

Also, there is a new one, Blue My Mind.  If any of you reading this has one, bring it down!  I'd like to see it.

Million Bells are not just little Petunias!  They do prefer dryer conditions like petunias and they do have colorful bell shaped flowers.  But he similarities stop there!  Well, they both have green leaves.

Any way!  These little guys love the heat!  When it is in the 100's, these will be one of the last things still blooming and pretty!  Some people may not be impressed with the small bloom, but remember, small means less energy used to make the flower which equates to MORE BLOOMS!!!  Million Bells are showy enough for curb appeal, and pretty enough for up close viewing. 

These are heavy feeders, but again, we apply Colorstar to all baskets, so all you need to worry about is watering them.

 Last, but in no way, least, Trailing Periwinkles. Or Madagascar/Mediterranean Vinca. Not to be confused with Vinca Vine!  These look just like the bedding Vinca/Periwinkles, except they have soft stems, so the trail making them ideal for hanging baskets!

If you are familiar with Periwinkles, you know that they are great for our extreme summers.  They don't mind being either hot or dry.  These are the same way!  If you could engineer the perfect plant for hanging baskets, it would look a lot like this!

I love the little guys! Even though "little" is not an apt description!  Those are 14" clapboards the the second photo over there!