In the middle of winter, gardening can be a challenge. I’m in Southern
California where we have a fairly good climate year-round, so I think the
problem for me just might be attitude. I think we get a mental January
“hangover” after the holidays. The weather is acceptable, but our mentality
motor for gardening is just not functioning. The Christmas decorations are
all boxed up in the garage, but not stashed in the garage attic yet…leaving
them visible as we go in and out of the garage. I always work better with a
clean slate!
So… I began yesterday pruning my roses. I felt a spark of something
exciting! It was that feeling of getting the basic groundwork started and it
felt compelling. I decided to set out by finding and assessing my gardening
gloves. I pulled out some with caked-on mud, a couple without mates, and
some stiff with age. Perfect! I had a goal… shopping for some and
washing what was salvageable, but tossing the rest. I felt a little tingle of
excitement as I mentally took inventory of tools and a beginning agenda for
my gardens.
The next morning, my spark of excitement from the day before needed
some stretching. How could just planning the work ahead feel so mentally
stimulating, while the body stiffened up from just refreshing a couple of
potted containers? I guess gardening CAN compete with working out at
the gym…something that had also been neglected for a while.
OK…. I get a two-for-one benefit from gardening… I’ll take that with a smile. My
husband volunteered to prune back the raspberries and blueberries! That
will be a big help. Come late Spring, we’ll have some yummy treats
straight from the garden.
My hubby helps by mowing the lawn. While I do the pruning and planning…
two things I find very satisfying. Right now… its time to fertilize everything!
I’ve learned that lightly is better, even if you have to repeat the process to
get a jump on Springtime. I find that the time I spend in the garden is so
rewarding. It’s like decorating, only outside! It adds color, style, and design.
January is also a good time to inspect patio furniture and pads. They can
be so inviting as Springtime arrives. Let’s put on those gloves and get
started… I can’t wait!
