January
is a time for contemplation and a chance to refuel and make plans
for the coming year. I enjoy the changing of the seasons and appreciate
the ability to have a few months of "down time." I don't
think I would enjoy living in an area where it was warm all year.
This is the best time to take stock of your successes and failures
of the past year and make decisions about what you want to accomplish
this year.
January
is usually a cold month but there are often some warm sunny days
as well. Take advantage of one of these days and stroll through
your garden and make notes about plants that need to be moved and
areas that need to be developed. Think about plants that you want
to add to your garden. Gardening catalogs will begin to pour into
your mailbox. Study them carefully and get your orders in early
to assure that you get the plant varieties you want.
If
you not done so already, begin keeping a gardening journal. You
will not be sorry and you will be amazed when, years from now, you
go back and look at what you have accomplished! In addition to recording
your garden's progress, it is also an excellent way to keep track
of where you bought plants, tools, etc. and weather conditions in
your area.
Plants
of Interest
camellia japonica
mahonia
ornamental grasses
pyracantha
hollies
nandina
evergreens
What to Plant
trees - If
it is not too wet, this is a good time to plant trees, especially
balled and burlapped or bare root trees. It is important that you
get them in the ground while they are dormant.
bulbs
- It's late but if you didn't get your bulbs in the ground, this
is your last chance! The ground may be wet or even frozen but if
you can get them planted, daffodils and tulips will still bloom
for you in the spring.
seeds
- If you live in the lower South, you can now plant seeds
of tough annuals, like larkspur, coneflower, cleome, alyssum, and
poppies in well prepared soil.
Chores
weeding
- No,
I'm not talking about on your hands and knees on the cold wet damp
ground and pulling weeds. Instead, this is an excellent time to
prune that invasive trumpet vine or honeysuckle that is threatening
to take over your shrubs. There are plenty of warm sunny days for
a chore such as this and it will be much easier now rather than
waiting until the spring when everything is green again.
tool maintenance
- Spring
will be here before you know it, so get those pruners and lopers
sharpened and the lawn mower serviced.
pruning
- Fruit
trees should be pruned now and other deciduous trees can also be
pruned and shaped, if desired. Play it safe though and don't get
too happy with the lopers.
feeding the birds
- Once
again, don't forget our feathered friends!
