A new year traditionally brings about resolutions right? Be they for losing weight, being more organized or simply an overall "being better" wish, resolutions are good goals to have. Gardeners are no exception to wishing for the better: better gardens, better planning, better harvests, better record-keeping, etc.
Following are five resolutions that we wish every gardener, no matter their level of expertise, will embrace in the new year:
I will embrace nature and garden for the birds, the bees and the butterflies (and the bats too!). One of the most enjoyable benefits of having a garden is being able to enjoy the beautiful creatures that visit it. So plan your flowers and vegetables with that in mind then sit back and enjoy the show! Remember, planting a pollinator-friendly garden is good for the pollinators, good for the earth, good for your veggie garden and good for you!
I will not blame myself for gardening failures. Oftentimes, Mother Nature is not our friend when it comes to gardening. Or life gets in the way. We do not want you to despair! Simply try again and learn from experience. Your garden, and your gardening friends, are both extremely forgiving.
I will not be afraid to ask questions. How else can you learn? Take advantage of the experience of your neighbor, your aunt, the garden center employee or the local extension agent. If they are like typical garden fanatics, they will appreciate your interest and be flattered that you want to learn from them. And learn you will! Click here for a long list of website and blogs that you can use as resources.
I will share my passion. We have all seen the studies that show many of todays gardeners got their start by learning from someone else, usually a parent or grandparent. Can you be that mentor? Will you be the reason your son or daughter serves homegrown vegetables to your grandchildren? Can you be the reason your neighbor plants window boxes for the first time?
I will try something new. This is kind of a no-brainer, right? Have you ever met a gardener who didn't want the newest of the new, for bragging rights if nothing else? But what about really new...like a new growing style or completely new crop of vegetables. Cruise around our NGB member's websites (a selection of some are below) and we guarantee you'll find something irresistible that's out of your usual comfort zone. Look to the AAS Winners for trialed and tested varieties or try a few of the new varieties from our members below!
By Laura Root
Photos courtesy of Jackson & Perkins
Gardeners are always thinking ahead to the next season or the next year. And, fall is the ideal time to think about spring. Flowering shrubs, perennials and spring bulbs are great choices.
Click here for an interesting article about spring bulbs.
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