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SAVVYGARDENER.COM
January 5, 2000
 

Happy New Year!
Well, it looks like we made it through Y2K and the lights are on and the water is running. What a relief! I don't know about you but I'm sure glad the holidays are over - don't get me wrong I love them but I am ready to get back to normal. And normal includes getting ready for Spring! That's right, you need to start thinking about that garden NOW! So let's get started...

First, the Weather...
So far this winter it's been pretty dry in the Kansas City area. Most of us stop thinking about watering this time of year but you can bet the plants, trees, and grass are thirsty. The last couple of days have been pretty cold but it looks like we're headed for a warming trend later this week. If the ground is not frozen (it won't be) take this time to water. Water your perennial and bulb beds, trees and shrubs, and your lawn.
  • Water thoroughly. Get the water deep into the soil to strengthen the deep roots.
  • Water during the day when you're sure it's a bit warmer.
  • After watering turn off the water and drain your hoses to prevent freezing.
  • Don't worry if your neighbors think you're crazy. You'll have the last laugh this spring!

Planning Your Garden...
Do you have a huge stack of gardening catalogs and magazines waiting to be read? I do. And this is when I get them out and start dreaming about this year's garden. Since the weather is agreeable take a walk around your garden beds with a pad of paper and a pencil. Sketch out your planting area shading in the places where you know the perennials will be returning. Good luck - I still lose track of some of mine. The idea is to have a rough idea of your planting area that you can refer to while you pour over those oh so tempting catalogs. If you're not careful you will feel like a six year old looking at the Toys-R-Us catalog making a list for Santa. When you see an item you really like make sure it fits into your garden - both physically and aesthetically. That being said, don't be afraid to try at least one or two new flowers each year.

A Thought About Evergreens...
On those dreary winter days look around your property and think about how an evergreen might improve the landscape. It's all too easy to forget about our winter landscape during the planting season when we are distracted by all of the color.

Finally...
"Gardening is one of the oldest and most honored of human activities. It is unique among humanity's pastimes and the many kinds of personal rewards it brings." - Rachel Snyder, Author, Gardening in the Heartland.

 

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