“Great balls of fire in the morning” Youve often heard that expression. But this morning it was literally true at our house. Maybe you can learn from our experience and avoid what might have been serious. The motor on the hot water circulating pump for the cool section of the greenhouse was put in close to the ground under one of the benches. Dirt was scooped out, a board put under it to keep it out of the dirt, and a piece of plywood put over the top to keep out any drip.

But this morning the motor shot out flashes of fire, then shuddered and died. I thought surely the motor had burned out. Upon examination, however, I found that dirt had filled in under the motor, it was all wet around there, and the lead-in wires had shorted out, blowing a fuse fortunately.

So cleaning out under the motor and retaping the connecting wires was all that was needed. But you may rest assured that this will have a periodic checking. This was one of those just below freezing early spring or late winter mornings, so it wasnt bad. But I shuddered to think what it might have been.

Rose planting can be started in the southern part of the south during the last half of the month. If you have not ordered you should do so soon, as newer varieties are usually in scarce quantity by now. The old favorites, however, should be in good supply. Do not be afraid to try the new varieties and the All”America selection for the current year.

Birds: This month is usually very hard on birds in the garden. Provide a place for water and see that it is kept filled every day. Also, provide some food in the form of small grains. Put these items near a window and let the children enjoy “bird- watching.”

Pruning and spraying: There are always enough mild days in January to do remedial and heavy pruning. Be sure to prune for a purpose, not just for the sake of exercise! Prune to remove dead or diseased wood, or to correct the pattern of growth. Cuts over one inch in diameter should be painted with a waterproof paint to prevent decay or entrance of insect pests.

Two kinds of people use the stars. The first romanticize their beauty and dream by them, the second use them to steer their course by. It is much the same with roses. There is much to be done in this world to beautify both the garden and spirit of our fellow man with roses.

We can devote our time to simple enjoyment of the joys we have found in roses or we can set about the vitally important task of bringing this pleasure to more people. With a new year unfolding before us we might well take stock and see which path we have followed in the past and if we are willing to enrich the lives of our fellow men by following the second course.

If we find the challenge of the latter course inspiring there is one factor which will help greatly in gaining successful results. That is the importance of retaining an affirmative attitude. I used to hate the fact that my garden soil is full of rocks until I found these came in mighty handy when I issued forth with my trusty sling-shot to ward off the innumerable rabbits which plagued our new rose plants.

Interest is reviving in the old shrub roses of our great-grandmothers gardens. To provide beauty with fragrance and nostalgic memories, no other flower has more distinction or appeal.

For all practical purposes, these roses are a necessary tonic for Midwest gardens. They thrive in spite of drought, below zero temperatures, weeds and hot winds. All grow without winter protection except those mentioned otherwise. Care is simplicity itself plant them as you would any other rose.

Feed each spring and water during periods of extreme drought. If blackspot or insects bother, use any good rose dust. Prune away only dead wood, as the new growth continually replenishes the plant. In this manner, the rose can live for 50 years or more.

There are types for all garden needs – tall shrubs for background or hedges, climbers and pillars for trellises, medium to low shrubs for foundation plantings, and ground creepers to hold soil on eroded banks.

These are the best-known groups with outstanding varieties of each: Rosa Centifolia (Cabbage rose) The original Provence rose is pale pink; Rose des Peintres has large deep rose flowers. ‘Vierge de Clery’ is white.