New Years Resolutions for Gardeners

Time marches on.  Christmas 2011 flew by and we’re creeping up on the New Year 2012.  Those of us who miss being out in the garden turn reflective and ponder what the year 2012 might have in store. 

I say, don’t ponder, make a resolution to improve your gardening skills or learn something new about gardening that you’ve previously put on the back burner.

Instead of that silly resolution you make EVERY YEAR to lose those LAST 10 POUNDS, I have some resolutions that can make you a better gardener, enjoy your backyard and get you ready for spring 2012!

Resolution #1- Learn something new by taking a class about gardening. 

Shaw Nature Reserve has classes all winter long.  Some interesting ones include guided tours of Shaw and classes teaching seed starting and soap making.  Missouri Botanical Garden offers winter tours as well.  You can also take some fun craft classes, learn about backyard chickens or delve into heirloom vegetable gardening.  Additionally, many nurseries have classes available.  Bowood Farms in the Central West End and Summer Winds in Ellisville are nurseries that regularly have classes.  Why not call a friend and make a day of it!

Resolution #2- Assess and repair or replace your garden tools. 

Do you have a shovel that has seen better days?  Have some pruners that just won’t make a clean cut anymore?  Some of your tools might just need a good oiling and sharpening.  Maybe a few of your tools have seen better days and need to be replaced.  Winter is a good time to talk to friends and go online to get opinions about new and improved tools.  Cheaply made tools are just that- cheap.  You’ll do a better job if your pruners are sharp and of good quality.  A splintering wooden handle on your shovel will do nothing but give you splinters and make you want to spit and cuss.  Who needs that on a beautiful spring day?  Fix what you can, pitch or donate what you can’t and replace what you pitch with garden tools of good quality.  If you take care of your tools now, and start spring with great, new tools that you’ve researched, it will make you feel like a million bucks.  Attitude alone will raise your gardening skill to the next level!

Resolution #3- Buy new book about gardening.

Go to the bookstore and bring home a great gardening picture book.  On a cold, wintry day, curling up with a good book can be a really pleasurable retreat.  If your desire this spring is to put together some really great containers, I know of no better book than P. Allen Smith’s book on container gardening.  It’s simple for the novice gardener and gives the experienced gardener ideas for mixing unusual types of plant material.  If you buy one book this winter, make it this one.  You can also delve into renovating your landscape, learn about native plants, or peruse a book about the best perennials for the Midwest.

Resolution #4- Make a terrarium. 

A terrarium can be as simple as a few houseplants in a jar or as complicated as filling an old fish tank with an abundance of plants.  It’s a real mood-lifter in the winter to purchase plants and make something that grows and adds greenery to the indoors.  Look for a complete “How To Create a Terrarium” in a future blog.  George and I spent a fun day making numerous terrariums just before Christmas.  We’ll share our plant choices and planting techniques.

Resolution #5- Feed the birds. 

If you haven’t been feeding the birds, now is a great time to entice them to your backyard.  I have spent countless hours watching the birds and modifying my seed selection to attract various birds.  It’s so much fun and very rewarding to see new species visit your feeders. You can’t garden in your back yard in the winter, but you can get a beautiful show by hanging a few feeders. Few sights rival a bright red Cardinal sitting on a feeder after newly fallen snow. You’ll find great feeders and seed at , and all Wildbirds Unlimited stores.  Why not pick up a book on identifying birds as well?

Resolution #6- Learn more about Orchids. 

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Jan. 28.  That’s the opening day of the Orchid Show at Missouri Botanical Garden.  George and I already have the date set and are excited about seeing what the theme of the show will be.  If you’re looking to expand your collection of orchids, vendors will be selling their wares.  Last year we went a little crazy and bought lots of unusual orchids.  George got some stunning, miniature types that are grown on pieces of bark.  They look great in his plant room.  I love Lady Slippers and added a few to my collection.  There is no better way to beat the winter doldrums than to spend a day at the Orchid Show.  If it’s a nice day outdoors, you can take a walk to the Linnaean House to see the camellias.  Bring a good friend, your camera and some spending money.  It’s the highlight of my January!