As the January weather has dipped into the teens, the gardens look very dormant. In December, they were decorated very nicely for the holidays, but are now waiting patiently for the return of warm weather. In February, we’ll trim back the winter damage, apply some fresh mulch, and then sit back and wait to see how the severe cold has affected the gardens. And don’t forget, Herb Day 2014 is right around the corner, so please check back for more details.

The gardens look very nice this time of year, but winter is just around the corner.  The scarecrows in the 5 Old Alabama Town gardens are a very nice addition to the fall landscape.  There is a doctor in the Doctor’s Garden, a musically inclined lady in the Mother Garden, Lavender Lil in the Scent Garden, Lady Dye in the Dye Garden, and a petulant child sitting down on the job in the Children’s Garden.

In the Children’s Garden, there are several unusual plants that catch people’s attention, but the most stunning this year is the Zinger Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa , aka The Herb Garden at the Governor’s Mansion has been reclaimed and tended lovingly by a couple of dedicated herb gardeners. The plants are labeled, and ready for winter. The chef uses many of the herbs, but there is always room for expansion.