7 Garden Resolutions For the New Year
Each fall I regret that there were projects I just didn’t have time to get to and each spring I try to recall the successes and failures of the previous season. This year I’ve decided to change all that and resolve to prioritize certain projects and hopefully solve some of my garden issues.
Keep A Garden Journal
Keeping a garden journal will allow me to record what works and what doesn’t work, so come spring I can look back and avoid making the same mistake twice. Recording my thoughts will also help when I’m trying to come up with new ideas for the garden. As I think of potential projects I’ll be able to record them and refer back to the journal as needed. It will also help keep track of the progress I am making in the garden.
Remember To Plant Spring Bulbs In The Fall
After a long cold winter, spring bulbs are an incredibly welcome sight. Even before they bloom, bulbs evoke warm feelings of sunshine and longer days. Seeing bulbs as they fist sprout out of the ground means that spring is only days away. The color they provide, right through the spring and into early summer, is one of the most joyous sights in the garden.
Reduce The Size Of My Lawn
I want to spend more time enjoying my garden and less time working in it. Though gardening is on of my favorite and soothing pastimes, mowing a vast lawn each week is a chore. Replacing the lawn with a wildflower meadow or a woodland garden, I think will be much more satisfying.
Be Ready In March
Every year, spring sneaks up on me and before I know it my plants are ready to be pruned and the gardens need to be weeded. This year, I plan on being ready to work in garden and enjoy my yard as soon as the snow melts. I’ll tune up the equipment and sharpen the tools even before the snow melts so when I need them, they’ll be ready to use.
Buy At least One Quality Tool
There’s nothing more frustrating than tools which seem to fall apart shortly after you begin using them. Inexpensive, poorly made pruners seem to fall apart after just a few cuts. This season I want at least one tool which will last the entire season and possible into next season. I’ll be paying more for it but it will make my time working in the garden more enjoyable.
Plant Annuals
An essential part of a colorful garden in the summer is the annual flower. Annuals are those flowers which live for only one growing season. Again, this requires being prepared. Usually, by the time I get around to buying annuals for the garden they’ve been picked over. This year, I’m heading to the greenhouse to pick out the cream of the crop during the first warm weekend in May.
Plant A Fruit Tree
What could be better than eating fresh fruit that you’ve grown on your own property? Apple trees and pear trees not only produce delicious fruit they are great ornamental flowering tress as well.
