A successful garden doesn't just happen. It's the result of careful planning before you ever turn the first spade of soil.

It took months of negotiations to clear the road to the 1996 Olympic equestrian events in Conyers, Ga. And all that debate was over an organism too tiny to see that carries a big name -- equine piroplasmosis (Babesiosis) -- and an even bigger "stick." "Piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that causes anemia," said Gary Heusner.

It's not easy to make a profit farming. Growers must turn to crop specialists and other sources for volumes of information to guide their decision-making. It's no wonder many farmers often choose not to grow a new crop when little is known about producing it. "Most farmers are reluctant, even resistant, to grow a new crop like canola due to a lack of experience," said Randy Hudson.

Jay Shelton, a biologist friend, recently reported seeing a sparrow hawk try to take a small bird near his bird feeder the other day. The hawk missed, but it was worth watching.

On that warm, late-winter day when you feel the urge to get outdoors, think ahead to late summer and sweet muscadines fresh off the vine. Hey, the vine could use a helping hand now. "Muscadines grow so vigorously every season the vines can get very congested if they go unpruned," said Gerard Krewer.

Everybody knows that blue birds nest in spring and summer. The rest of the year bird boxes are empty. Really? Ever thought of going out on a winter's day and checking your bluebird boxes? Carefully open the top and look inside.

The only thing worse than the fever, aching, running nose and cough of cold and flu is a whole house full of fevers, aches, running noses and coughs. While no one has yet found the cure for the common cold, there are some ways to help keep it from spreading around your family.

If you thought the last remnants of the holiday festivities were sitting on the curb waiting for the trash pickup, maybe you haven't stepped on the scales yet.

Cozying up to a warm fireplace under a beautiful mantel decorated with greenery and candles can be a holiday nightmare if it all goes up in smoke. "Dry, brittle greenery only needs one spark to go up in flames," said Kim Coder.