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It is butterfly season in the garden.

A reoccurring topic of discussion among my friends with young children is how to make sure their young children eat a variety of well balanced meals.  I think at one time or another, each of us has complained about food strikes, single-minded toddlers who refuse all but two or three items, or just how to introduce new foods to our children.  I can count on my hands only one or two families that I know that haven’t complained about their kids’ eating habits.  Yes, I know it’s normal but knowing that doesn’t make it any easier.

So much happens in April in our garden.  Not only did we have a hive swarm for the second time (sorry, no photos of this one), but butterflies abound and flowers are abundant.

The following are a collection of articles from around the Internet that we found timely or interesting.  What are you reading today?

Honey bee colonies all across the Unites States are being decimated and scientists are hard pressed to explain why. If we were to lose our honey bees, we could lose 80 percent of our global food supply because there are 90 different crops, and virtually all of our non-grain foods that are largely dependent on honey bee pollination for propagation. As a result, backyard beekeeping is experiencing a new renaissance.

Next to exercise and water, sleep is the most important thing to personal health and well being.  We live in a society where we just don’t seem to have enough time to accomplish everything we want.  Instead of considering our family, our stress level, or our personal health, most of us skimp on the truly important activities that are necessary to keep us healthy and happy.  At the top of that list is getting enough sleep on a regular basis.

A recent study suggests that walking may help improve memory impairment in older adults. By taking a brisk walk where you get your heart rate up for 40 minutes three times a week, participants in the study performed better on memory tests.

Making your own tinctures is basically the same process as making a pot of tea.  Instead of steeping your herb (or herbs) of choice in hot water to extract the medicinal properties, you would use a high proof alcohol instead.

March is such a fun month in the garden because lots of plants realize a new growing season is ahead.  Here are a few highlights.

Let’s face it: most herbal tinctures don’t taste that great and even the ones that are more palatable than others usually are an acquired taste.  Instead of choking them down in a bit of water to dilute them, try adding your herbs to your morning tea.