The largest and most widespread heron in North America. (Cornell Lab of Ornithology.) He/she was truly a sight to behold – found recently in Lackawanna State Park, Pennsylvania. Did you know that some studies have shown great blue herons eat sick or diseased fish? Supposedly because these fish are found closer to the surface of the water and are easy prey for herons.

Must. Rent. Boat. More. Often.

The passion flower is also known for its medicinal purpose as a remedy for nervous disorders. The plant can have a sedative effect on the nervous system. Hoping to use it at home – research more on its medicinal powers here. Note that these remedies are often made from the plant or flower itself – not the fruit. If you’re not a gardener, you can always purchase passion flower extract or supplement from many retailers.

Relatively easy to grow, the passion flower enjoys moist, well drained soil with moderate to full sun. The vine is an avid climber and you may find yourself trying to tame its tendrils. The plant is not considered hardy in Pennsylvania and should be brought indoors if you’d like it to survive through winter. Another option is to take cuttings and keep them in water near indirect light. If you have a large vine, this is a great way to share the plant with family and friends. Cuttings typically root within 2-3 weeks.

This is an excellent, family oriented event. Amazing photo ops as vehicles of all kinds will be there – and the kids (of all ages, size permitting) are invited to touch, climb and explore!

Special guests Sponge Bob Squarepants and his friend Patrick will also be on-site! You don’t want to miss this!

Thank you to EVERYONE who contributed their time and money to the YFS 2010 Plant Sale!

Looking for the perfect summer gift? Along with plants, find gardening gifts for the beginner to the expert at multiple tents on the YFS grounds. Are you a secret silent auction junkie? Don’t worry – they have that too.

There is something for everyone! And the best part? All proceeds benefit YFS!

Snapple “Real Fact” #755 tells me “There are more chickens than people in the world.”

Good heavens. We could be over-taken at any moment. I have met some very mean chickens in my lifetime. On the other hand, I’ve also met some chickens that looked like they should be performing on the strip in Vegas.

In surfing the internet, I’ve discovered that there are billions of chickens walking the grounds of this planet. Yes – BILLIONS. There are more chickens than any other bird on Earth accoring to Wikipedia. (Don’t criticize my source – this isn’t a scientific article post.)

With all these chickens roaming around (and filling our dinner plates and evening bar specials) – why haven’t we been able to figure out which came first?

That would be the 1,136 dogs that will be a part of the 71 teams entered in the 2010 Iditarod.

Do you think you have what it takes to cover 1,150 miles with 12-16 dogs over the course of  10-17 days? I definitely don’t. I can barely stand one day in the cold – let alone a week. The race begins in Anchorage and winds its way through remote villages to metropolitan areas. Journalists from all over the world flock to Alaska to cover the events. Teams train for months, years – to compete in what some have called the “Last Great Race on Earth”.

Thanks to the internet and advances in GPS and video technology, fans can watch almost the entire race from start to finish via the Iditarod Insider.

And of course…its never too late to practice your mushing terminology. Take some time to watch the teams come gee and come haw in their quest to reach the burled arch.

The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA) has begun a capital campaign in order to raise funds for expansion. Not only is more physical space needed for animals and their owners, but the HSHA is hoping to expand their community programs as well.

HSHA has grown tremendously over the years and helps out thousands of animals and individuals each year. They currently house animals in their office space as the actual shelter is constantly filled to capacity. According to their capital campaign site, “Hundreds more unwanted pets in need are placed on a waiting list and wait an average of 9-12 months to get in to our shelter.”

Having always been a supporter of pet adoption and rescue, it seems only fitting to write about the needs of the local area. Even if you are not a resident of central Pennsylvania – I’m sure there is a local humane society near you that needs your support. Consider donating time, money or other resources. The work that such facilities do is invaluable. Not only do they help unwanted pets find new homes; but they offer education and prevention programs, training, vetrinary services and cruelty investigation.

This annual event is being held from 8am – 4pm on both March 13 and 14 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. The PawsAbilities website has the full schedule of events – from obedience compeitions to high-flying, high-catching canines!

You can’t beat the price or the excitement! So round up the kids and pups – and make a day of it!