FROM HER

Looking at the extended forecast for the next couple of weeks and the thick, yellow layer of pollen on my car, I think it’s safe to say springtime is here. Start digging out your spring and summer clothes and put away your winter wardrobe, here come the hot Arkansas temperatures!

This month’s cover story highlights Master Gardeners Claudette Cooper, Sharon Dent, Karin Grisham, Sherry Matthews and Marty Lynch. And what says “springtime” more than flowers and gardens? (April showers bring May flowers. … )

We chose to feature Karin on the front cover, not only because she was named Master Gardener of the Year for 2016, but for her continuous contributions to the community and her creative ideas. When a garden located on the Hot Springs Greenway Trail was flooded last year, Karin organized a committee to restore it from scratch, a project that has taken almost a year to complete.

Claudette is president of the Garland County branch of the Master Gardeners and she, Sharon, Sherry and Marty are also making significant contributions to our community, our local gardens and our schools. Read more about them in this month’s HER Cover Story.

Another thing that comes to mind when I think of springtime is spring cleaning. I was curious as to where the “spring cleaning” tradition came from and I did a little research, which turned up at least 10 completely different origins. My personal reason for doing my heavy-duty cleaning when springtime rolls around is because it just makes sense to me. We’re going from winter to spring, from gloomy, cold temperatures to breezy, warm temperatures. This time of year just seems like the best time to refresh and clean my home.

Our HER Feature story this month features one of Hot Springs’ largest family owned businesses, Alliance Rubber Co., and their products and tips and tricks can help make your spring cleaning spree a little more simple and effective this year.

A personal request from a reader this month was a story on how to keep wildlife and pests, such as deer and rabbits, out of your garden. Sure, Bambi and Thumper frolicking through your yard together would be a sight to see, but those creatures can destroy your perfectly pruned and pampered garden in a matter of minutes. Allen Bates with the Garland County Extension Office gave us all kinds of methods, products and advice for how to keep your garden safe. Check out this month’s HER Pets feature.

Do you have an idea for a story that you’d like to see in one of the upcoming issues of HER? Send me an email at lwells@hotsr.com. Until next month,