Country Almanac

APRIL/MAY 2018 HIKE TO THE MOUNTAINS, PLANT THE FUTURE AND SHOWER MOM WITH LOVE.

Spring forward with the helpful hints in this calendar.

Easter SUNDAY APRIL 1ST

“We were sent here to search for the light of Easter in our hearts, and when we find it we are meant to give it away generously.” – John O’Donohue

April 22 Earth Day

Plant the flowers that bees and butterflies love, walk instead of drive, add a tree to your yard or start a kitchen garden. Go to earthday.org for inspiring ways to celebrate the planet.

April 21-29

Lace up your hiking boots and explore our national parks for free on the first day of National Park Week. nps.gov

MAY 28 • MEMORIAL DAY

Honor our fallen service men and women with a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time during the National Moment of Remembrance.

Flowers Forever

“Nothing says spring like little tulip buds popping up under my trees. We all wait and see who can spot the first bud!” Julie Herrera-Lemler Rochester, Minnesota

You’ve waited all winter for flowers to bloom. Press and preserve them! Open a heavy book, line the pages with parchment or waxed paper. Arrange flowers face down so they don’t overlap. Close the book and leave untouched for seven to 10 days. Once all the moisture is gone and they have a papery texture, remove the flowers with tweezers. Use pressed flowers to make bookmarks or stationery—or fill a picture frame with them.