This column is from Marsha Overton, Coles County Master Gardener.

I am sure most of you will agree with me when I say–"Where did 2007 go?" It is incredible how fast this past year went by.

We did have some special times with the holidays. We did a lot of decorating so–I am not taking everything down for some time. We will do away with the outside light decorations for sure. My husband said it looked like a landing strip. He was exaggerating of course–but it was pretty bright. I want you all to know how much we appreciated your compliments–especially the one where you said that it made you happy inside just to drive by and see the decorations and lights. This is what it is all about. Anyway–we enjoyed doing it.

We have been pretty lucky when it comes to bad weather, also. I still like having the four seasons. I guess that is why we live here in the great Midwest. You know there is an "old wives' tale" that says–the first three days of the year will determine the first three months of the year. If I remember correctly–last year was right on the money for January, February, and March. So, we will have to just wait and see if this holds true for this year.

I am reporting that my Norfolk pine is not looking to good. I really think it was a little stressed when I bought it. It was the last one they had–but I wanted one so bad I took it anyway. Oh well, I am going to see if the sunshine in my garden room can make it all better!

Speaking of plants–there is one plant that is usually associated with Christmas that I have not heard anything about for a long time and that is the mistletoe." Personally, I thought it was fake–only an artificial item we used at Christmas time. Well, it isn't. IT happens to be a parasite (hemiparasite"). As a parasite, it grows on the branches or trunk of a tree and actually sends out roots that penetrate into the tree and take up nutrients. But mistletoe is capable of growing on its own; like other plants it can produce its own food by photosynthesis. Mistletoe, however, is more commonly found growing as a parasite plant. There are two types of mistletoe that are more commonly used as a Christmas decoration. Phorandendron flavescens is native to North America and grows from New Jersey to Florida. The other type, called Viscum album, is of European origin. The Greeks and earlier peoples thought that it had mystical powers and down through the centuries it became associated with many folklore customs. The European mistletoe is a green shrub with small, yellow flowers and white sticky berries which are considered poisonous. It is commonly seen on apple trees but rarely on oak trees. The rarer oak mistletoe was greatly respected by ancient Celts and Germans and used as a ceremonial plant by early Europeans. The traditions which began with European mistletoe were transferred to the similar American plant with process of immigration and settlement.

The magical traditions–from the earliest times, mistletoe has been one of the most magical, mysterious and sacred plants of European folklore. It was considered a bestower of life and fertility; a protectant against poison; and an aphrodisiac. The ritual of cutting the mistletoe from the oak came to symbolize the emasculation of the old King by his successor. Mistletoe was long regarded as the 'soul" of the oak. It was gathered at both mid-summer and winter solstices, and the custom of using mistletoe to decorate at Christmas is a survival of the Druid and other pre-Christian traditions.

In the Middle Ages and later, branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. It was also believed that the oak mistletoe could extinguish fire. Mistletoe means "dung-on-a twig". "Mistel" is the Anglo-Saxon word for "dung," and "tan" is the word for "twig".

We were able to see this plant when we were in Florida a few years back. Some of the masses were at least 3 feet wide. If by chance you get to some of our southern states, you might be able to see the mass of green, shaped in a ball. Chances are this mass is Mistletoe.

Do gardeners really live longer? Much research is going into this very question. And the result is a resounding YES!!! Furthermore it is saying that gardening can add good years to your life! While it is quite obvious gardeners get a lot of fresh air, sunshine, and exercise, what isn't obvious is the fact they are relieving themselves of a good portion of life's pressures, tensions, and worries. Stress fades away as the gardener becomes absorbed in the tasks ahead; soil preparation, planting, cultivating and best of all– harvesting.

The number of high-powered, tense and stressed people who have found the garden to ease their day-to-day tensions is increasing every year. They know you don't have to get into your car and drive for hours to find peace of mind; it's right outside your door. Spouses of tense people should encourage them to garden. No drug in the world is as safe or as effective for making a person mellow. Working out frustration and resentments at the end of a hoe sure beats popping pills or hitting the bottle.

Isn't that interesting? Now we know why we are doing all of this; so we can become easier to live with!! Till next time–Have a Happy New Year!!!

If you have any horticulture questions, call the local U of I Extension office Monday through Friday at 345-7034. Volunteer Master Gardeners are not in the office this time of year–they will return your call.

This column is based on information and materials available at the University of Illinois Extension office, located at 707 Windsor Road, Suite A., Charleston, 61920; phone 345-7034; or web site: http://coles.extension.uiuc.edu/.