The National Garden Bureau's designation of 2025 as the Year of the Dogwood Tree celebrates this beloved and versatile tree, renowned for its breathtaking spring blossoms, vibrant autumn foliage, and overall ornamental appeal. This recognition calls on all gardening enthusiasts and conservationists to cultivate and appreciate the beauty of dogwood trees in landscapes and gardens worldwide.

Dogwood trees belong to the genus Cornus and are known for their distinctive flowers, which are bracts that surround the actual flowers. They are deciduous trees or shrubs with species varying in size, from small to medium-sized trees. The most commonly known species is the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida).

ORIGINS AND IDEAL GROWING CONDITIONS

Dogwood trees are native to temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They grow best in the following conditions:

—Partial Shade to Full Sun: While dogwoods can tolerate full sun, they thrive in partial shade, especially in hotter climates where they benefit from some protection from intense midday sun.

—Well-Drained, Acidic Soil: Dogwoods prefer well-drained, acidic soils rich in organic matter. They do not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

—Cool, Moist Climate: They thrive in cool, moist climates and can be sensitive to drought and extreme heat. However, they are susceptible to certain diseases and pests, such as powdery mildew and dogwood anthracnose, which can affect their health and appearance.

MEDICINAL USES

Historically, various parts of the dogwood tree have been used in traditional medicine, though their use is less common in modern herbal practices. Some traditional uses include:

—Bark: Native Americans used the bark of certain dogwood species to treat pain and fever and as a quinine substitute for malaria.

—Leaves and Fruit: Infusions made from the leaves and fruit have been used for their astringent and antiseptic properties to treat wounds and digestive issues.

However, these uses are largely historical, and dogwoods have yet to be widely recognized in contemporary medicinal practices.

POPULARITY AND APPEAL

Dogwood trees are popular for several reasons:

—Aesthetic Appeal: Dogwoods are highly valued for their beautiful spring blooms, which range from white to pink to red. Their bright red or purple fall foliage and attractive branching patterns add to their year-round visual interest.

—Wildlife Support: Dogwood trees produce berries, a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife. The trees also provide habitat and shelter for various species.

—Versatility: Dogwoods, with their moderate size and adaptability, can be used in various landscape settings, from garden focal points to woodland edges. This versatility makes them fascinating subjects for horticulture enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

—Cultural Significance: Dogwoods hold cultural and historical significance in many regions, symbolizing beauty, purity, and durability. This rich cultural heritage adds to their appeal to gardening enthusiasts and conservationists.

The Year of the Dogwood Tree aims to celebrate and promote dogwood trees' numerous benefits and beauty. This initiative seeks to raise awareness about their ecological and ornamental value, encouraging more people to plant and care for them in their communities and gardens.

Africa

Jan

Dragon Day, Appreciate a: January 16

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Appreciate a Dragon Day or Dragon Day celebrates the mythical creatures called dragons. This event was created by children's author Donita K Paul to promote reading among children.

Africa

Jan

Dress Up Your Pet Day: January 14

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Dress Up Your Pet Day encourages pet owners to parade their pets in style by dressing them up. Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate Colleen Paige created the event.

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Jan

Drinking Straw Day (1888): January 3

06:20 AM | -

Straw Day or Drinking Straw Day marks the anniversary of the patent received by Martin C Stone for this tool made from paper and thus disposable, January 3, 1888. First used by Sumerians (4500 - 1900BC in Mesopotamia) for drinking beer, it's believed straws allowed them to avoid the sedimentation caused by fermentation at the bottom of the glass. Today we use straws for various drinks, from non-alcoholic beverages to cocktails, though straws are most often associated with children and soda. They're also beneficial to people with disabilities and the ill.

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Jan

Dry January (UK/US): January

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Formerly Sober January, this event began in the United Kingdom in 1942 and has since become popular in the United States. The objective of Dry January is to abstain from alcohol for the entire month.

Africa

Jan

Eagle Days, Springfield, (US-MO): January

06:20 AM | -

Missouri's winter eagle watching is spectacular. If you can't make it an official Eagle Days event mid-month, you can still enjoy eagle-viewing on your own. View eagles perched in large trees along the water's edge from late December through early February. Get out early in the morning to see the eagles flying and fishing.

Africa

Jan

Economic Forum, World (CH): January 20-24

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The World Economic Forum meets once a year and is attended by leading politicians, policymakers, and business people from around the world. Its primary goal is promoting Public-Private Cooperation in initiatives that create a better world for all. The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit in Geneva, Switzerland. The Forum strives in all its efforts to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance. Moral and intellectual integrity is at the heart of everything it does. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Jan

Education Day of, Intl.: January 24

06:20 AM | -

Initiated by the United Nations in 2019, International Day of Education seeks to highlight the correlation between peace and education. Education is the 4th of the United Nation's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It aims to promote education as a human right and provide opportunities for all people to achieve a lifetime of learning.

Africa

Jan

Edy’s Pie Day (1921): January 24

06:20 AM | -

On this day in 1922, Christian Kent Nelson of Onawa, Iowa, and his business partner Russell C. Stover obtained US patent number 1,404,539 for the "Eskimo Pie" ice cream bar. At the time, it was a new concept. Nestle SA now sells the Eskimo Pie under the new name of Edy’s Pie since 2021.

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Jan

Ellis Island Day (1892): January 1

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Today marks the anniversary of the opening of Ellis Island on January 1, 1892. Ellis Island was the immigration gateway into the US on the East Coast from the late 19th Century through the mid-20th Century. Approximately 17,000,000 immigrants were admitted through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954, when it closed. Ellis Island was reopened in the fall of 1990 and remains a top tourist attraction in New York City.

Africa

Jan

Elvis Presley Day, Ntl. (1935): January 8

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Today is the birthday of "the King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977). Elvis was an American singer and actor who is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century.

Africa

Jan

EM Forster Day (1879): January 1

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EM FORSTER DAY

EM Forster was born on January 1, 1879, and lived until June 7, 1970. The English author is best known for his novels:

—Where Angels Fear to Tread (1905),
—The Longest Journey (1907),
—Room with a View (1908),
—Howard's End (1910),
—A Passage to India (1924).

Africa

Jan

Energy, Cut Your Energy Costs Day, Ntl. (CA/US): January 10

06:20 AM | -

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day occurs annually in the US and Canada. It is an education and awareness outreach program designed to help citizens reduce their energy usage and save money by replacing obsolete appliances and changing habits.

Africa

Jan

English Toffee Day, Ntl.: January 8

06:20 AM | -

National English Toffee Day in the United States and the United Kingdom celebrates the sweet made from molasses, butter, sugar, and almonds. The candy rose in popularity during the 1800s and quickly became a favorite on both sides of the pond. National English Toffee Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor.

Africa

Jan

Epiphany (C): January 6

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Epiphany, or the 12th day of Christmas, marks the official end to the festive season known as Christmastide. Epiphany is the day that the three wise men (magi), following the star of Bethlehem, came upon Jesus Christ, Mary, and Joseph in the manger. It is also the day years later when John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. In the West, Christians began celebrating the Epiphany in 361 AD.

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