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As 2010 dawns, we are thinking of lots of new beginnings and winter is the perfect time for dreaming on new resolves for our gardening endeavors. Here are five ideas that might bring new horizons to YOUR garden in the new year!
- Try a new flower or plant you've never tried before. As catalogs begin arriving in the mail, this is a great time to find something that stretches your comfort zone just a bit--new colors, new kinds of bloom or perhaps a vegetable crop you've never tried before.
- Learn something new about gardening more sustainably. Perhaps this is the year you really will start composting or mulching with organic material to conserve moisture. Conserving resources--water, soil and even your labor--can make your gardening both easier and more earth-friendly.
- Support a local gardening organization. Des Moines Garden Examiner's article on Great holiday gifts for Iowa gardeners includes a good list of links to area horticulture enteprises that can benefit from your support.
- Teach a child to garden. More and more research is finding that today's kids may suffer from something called "nature deficit disorder." Here are some resources identified by Des Moines-based Next Step Adventure to involve your children in outdoor activities. The Des Moines Botanical Center also has some great programs for kids.
- Spend more time in the garden. Sometimes we get so involved with making the garden look great that we forget that it is also important to pause long enough to smell the roses! Take time to sit and enjoy your gardens and the wildlife they attract. If you don't have your own garden, take time to walk around the many parks and public gardens available in the Des Moines metro area.
Comments
Thanks for the great inspirations. I especially like #5. In the past, I have worked so hard in my garden, that sure wasn't where I chose to relax. It's time to change that mind set. Now I need a plan.
I appreciate you spreading the word about how badly we need to get our kids back outdoors to connect with nature. My most vivid childhood memories center around building forts, floating boats and rescuing critters when my brother and I spent unsupervised time in our back yard and on our grandparents' farm.
I love these resolutions! There's nothing better than to get out in the garden and help share it with others!
Thanks Martha, I know my favorite childhood memories were in the outdoors too! Our kids deserve it
You deserve to relax, Sandy! Hope 2010 offers some new opportunities!
Thanks Laura! You know you're a real gardener when you get really really excited sharing your garden skills with others!
Good reminders. How 'bout doing an article on FREE stuff you can do in the garden, for those of us financially challenged, sometime ....?
Thanks for the great idea, Kris. Oh yeah, there are LOTS of things to do on a dime!:)
OK, I can probably come up with a dime! (Just the one, though :)
Nature deficit-fortunately I can say-not my children-they love the great outdoors.
Thanks
Julie (Southern Illinois Country Living Examiner)
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