Like an unwelcome house guest, or one who stays too long, they’re back. The aphids have returned to the sunroom. And remember my lecture this past fall about washing any plants that you bring in from outdoors? I did! Yet here they are again.

I have begun treatments of organic Neem oil spray, which is safe and effective. I also appreciate that it doesn’t hurt or “burn” other non-targeted plants. If using Neem or any other indoor sprays, watch the “spray field” to ensure that it doesn’t land on pet food or water bowls. And as usual, wash hands thoroughly when done!

A respite from the dark days of winter is the arrival of seed catalogs. I don’t receive as many as I once did; you have probably also noticed the same trend and that internet sites have become the new norm.

A few days ago, I received a catalog from “Select Seeds.” And as with all things garden related, I turned to the “Garden Watchdog” platform on “Dave’s Garden,” the website I have recommended before. The Garden Watchdog does not sell any products but has a rating system for businesses that do. Whether it’s from seed, bulb, or plants and plant products, the Garden Watchdog will give you an idea of the reliability of each business that does.

Select Seeds is highly recommended, it’s one of the “Watchdog Top 30” for high ratings. Being in the top 30 is an exceptional rating. So of course, I became lost and distracted by snooping through too many garden web sites. I did, however, notice a trend that seems to be increasing in popularity, and that’s one of “pollen-free” sunflowers. The maroons and dark reds of new varieties seem endless and beautiful, but so many of the flowers are pollen free. They are bred that way to keep table tops clean and to show no mess under a bouquet.

So, if it’s either beauty or bugs, I’ll choose the bugs, forsake the beauty, and leave the decisions regarding pollen-free flowers up to each of you. But there are many beautiful colors that attract pollinators.