EDITORS NOTE my apologies for launching this blog late, but it's information/advice will help with next years wishlist.
With the holidays fast approaching, ‘tho they will probably be quite different from other years, our gardens give us the gift of looking forward to a bright and better time in the coming spring.
In order to make that spring magical garden happen, we need to do a bit of planning ahead.
Here are some thoughts and a checklist to keep in mind for December:
- Inventory what you'll need for the upcoming gardening season—(it will be here sooner than we imagine!)—e.g. garden gloves, rose gloves (pricker-proof!), loppers, wide-brimmed SPF 50 hat, ergonomic weed digger or trowel, kneeling pads, bird feeders, inspiring garden books.
A thought: This is a great time to add these items to your holiday wish list!
- Begin pruning roses near the end of the month.
- Search nurseries for bare-root ornamental shrubs and trees that work with your landscape design, irrigation, and micro climate.
A thought: If you hesitate to go to a nursery in person right now, remember that many have terrific websites where you can order your next treasures and have curbside pick-up to boot.
- As December is a slow gardening month with most plants going dormant, this is a great time to do some basic maintenance.
- Have a treasure hunt to track down any tools hiding in your garden.
- Clean shovels, rakes, hoes, and other long-handled tools—cleaning them with steel wool works wonders.
- Sharpen hand pruners and loppers.
- Take your mower to the shop to have the blades sharpened.
- Check for water trapped in irrigation lines so they don't freeze and expand.
- Protect exposed faucets, valves, and risers with a hose bib cover or wrap them in an old towel.
- Clean and repair bird feeders. Purchase new ones if you like along with tantalizing seeds and treats.
Now that the outdoor chores are done for the winter, it's time to come into your warm home, have a lovely cup of tea, read a favorite garden book, and watch those wonderful winter birds delighting in your hospitality. They will be the harbinger of wonderful times ahead.