Tips for the Garden: December
Tips for the Garden: December
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the season! Your garden is resting and so should you.
Winter is a slow time for the garden. Marked by bitter temperatures and the occasional blanket of ice and snow, few of us venture outside to enjoy our yards during this time of year. Instead, we look out through the window and dream of warm weather, sunshine, and the return of spring flowers.
Nature, however, never truly sleeps and for the industrious gardener there are always things to do or prepare, even in this inhospitable season. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
If you haven’t already, be sure to protect more tender plants in your landscape - Wrap thin-bark trees, ensure plants are properly mulched, and apply anti-desiccant to Japanese maples and other sensitive trees and shrubs. Just like you protect yourself from the cold with jackets, hats, and gloves, some of our plants need a little help to make it through the winter.
Smaller plants can sometimes be pushed up out of the ground throughout Indiana’s freeze-thaw cycles. Carefully bury them back in the soil and protect with mulch.
If you salt your sidewalk or driveway, try to avoid getting any on your plants.
Rest and planning is another important part of the winter months. Take time for yourself, relax, and look back on the growing season. What did you particularly enjoy? What could be improved? This will help you plan any projects for the year ahead. Maybe there’s a shrub growing across the path, or a spot where you’d like to add a pop of color. Maybe maintenance is going to be the name of the game. Preparation now will make for a clearer, more enjoyable spring.
Don’t forget to look out the windows, either!
How does your landscape look right now? Do you still enjoy looking out at your yard, or is it drab and depressing?
Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean your landscape should be boring. Winter interest is an important aspect to consider when creating your landscape. If your yard is looking uninspired, think of adding evergreens, boulders, or other structural elements that will give you four-season interest, even in the dead of winter.
Overall, your garden is there for you to enjoy. It should be a source of inspiration and happiness all year round, even when the leaves fall and the temperatures drop.
For now, enjoy a stroll around your yard when the weather breaks and get ideas for the coming season, or just look longingly out the window and dream of spring!
