The Winter Garden
It's winter time and time to slow down and learn from the wildlife, soil and rain in our gardens. The long winter nights are a great time to plan for the spring.
Winter is a great time to think about the water and soil you have to work with. Dress appropriately and go out and watch where the water flows or doesn’t flow in your yard. If there are puddles, do they remain long after the storm passes? Are your gutters and downspouts doing their job? Is the rain flowing away from your house? Are there rivulets threatening to become gullies in your garden? If so, make note and plan for helping the water find its way back into the soil. Your efforts will help protect local rivers from pollutants, and will save water for life-supporting trees and shrubs. Check your down spouts, trenches and other water management options that can help you slow, spread and sink the rain. But the first step is getting to know your property.
Save your soil
Mulched your bare ground, leaves or compost or shredded bark about three inches thick. A cozy blanket of mulch will save the soil and its billions of little inhabitants are protected from the rains and winds. Organic mulch also adds a source of food for the abundant soil bacteria, fungi, protozoa, insects and other invertebrates. In a sense, mulch is the year ‘round farmer’s market for birds and other wildlife.Check out these articles on composting, make your own soil this winter your pocket book will love you for it.
Create your spring dream
Making plans for the spring and what you want your garden to be can be a winter time delight. What trees to plant? Plan your schedule for seed planting and research companies for your spring plants. What flowers will you plant and what colors will you do this year? How to make your garden and yard a place for nourishing your mind, body and sprit. Below is a short list of some of my favorite sources for information, inspiration, plants and supplies. Let your winter dreams bloom this spring!
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