Many gardeners in our region have been keeping busy enjoying virtual lectures, symposia, workshops and tours. Although libraries may be closed, they are still providing services, whether via eBooks, audioBooks, curbside pick-up and drop-off services, etc.
I highly recommend a book I received for Christmas from a dear friend. “The Artist’s Garden” by Jackie Bennett is filled with not only photos of famous works of art depicting gardens, but also photographs of the artists themselves with either family or friends, and sometimes in their own garden spaces.
Seed catalogs are arriving and it’s wonderful to see what’s new. What shall I sow in the veggie garden? It’s definitely a time not only to learn and dream, but also to plan. And, then there are the seeds that I’ve collected and saved and the many packets that I’ve never even opened. Yikes!
One aspect of gardening that I definitely do not enjoy is dealing with squirrels even though many consider them to be cute and fun to watch. Seeing them dig up our gardens, looking for acorns they and their relatives have “planted,” is not fun. And, seeing them attacking our birdseed feeders, even the newest “squirrel-proof” ones, is beyond annoying.
But, let’s move on! As garden guru Allan Armitage has noted, “Winter is […] a time to go inward and reflect. […] our houseplants provide much needed solace during the long gray and cold season.”
Our poor houseplants need to be checked more frequently and watered when their soil is dry to the touch, making sure that it’s not too wet and soggy. Of course, after the holidays, beautiful poinsettias also become “houseplants” for many of our friends.
As I write this column, there is no snow cover in the garden. But, of course, the white stuff will return and it’s possible that sometimes it will be heavy and icy. Let’s just hope that there are not too many nor’easters like the one we had around Halloween. It, along with very strong winds, did much damage.
According to Wayne Mezitt, chairman of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Board of Trustees, “It’s always wise to remove heavy snow that accumulates on your landscape plants before it freezes there and breaks or deforms the branches. Gently lift branches upward with a broom or strong pole and shake the snow off, starting near the top of the plant. If snow has already frozen on the branches, or if there’s ice, it’s best to wait until temperatures rise above freezing.” Good advice!
The National Garden Bureau (NGB) has designated 2021 as “The Year of the Sunflower.” For many of us, sunflowers are a symbol of happiness and optimism. They represent longevity, love, and loyalty. Since the days are now getting longer, we will enjoy more sun. I look forward to sharing the NGB’s interesting information with our readers in a future column.
Yes, the New Year has arrived and with it “many dreams.” A vaccine ensuring that everyone will eventually be safe and healthy is number one, as we all anxiously await for things to get back to “normal,” whatever that may be.
Hope endures! Dream on!
