Winter is a time of rest for most gardeners. Though the garden may look barren, this chilly season offers a special time for dedicated gardeners, an exciting invitation to dream and prepare for the vibrant seasons ahead. Embracing the quiet moments of winter can spark creativity and set the stage for a flourishing garden in spring.
Winter's landscape holds a distinctive beauty amidst its quietness. For gardeners, these still moments are perfect for reflection. In winter's bareness, it is easier to see where you may need to add additional plants or focus on for spring.
Think about Last Season
Take time to assess the past year's gardening journey. Questions to ponder include:
What plants thrived in your garden?
Was there a plant you loved that you'd like to plant more of?
Did you need a privacy screen?
Does an area seem bare this winter that you'd like to add evergreens to?
Taking time to think through what went well this past garden season can help guide you as you plan for the upcoming seasons.
Planning for the Future
Many passionate gardeners use winter as a time to review seed catalogs, setting the groundwork for spring. They also take to social media and Pinterest, gathering ideas and researching plants. You can research plants ideal for our area on our Plant Finder, found on our website. Thoughtful planning is essential to a cohesive, well-thought-out garden.
As you are planning for this spring, in addition to the questions above, you can ask yourself:
What kind of sunlight does your gardening bed/s receive?
Do you need color during a specific season? For example, your garden looks vibrant with blooms in summer but is bare in winter. Check this out for tips to create a 4-season garden.
What plants are you thinking of planting and where would they work in your garden?
Would you like to add new gardening beds anywhere this spring?
When was the last time you added fresh mulch?
Do you have any soil that needs amending (for example, in raised vegetable beds or a new gardening bed)?
Consider documenting plant varieties you purchase, their placement in your garden, gardening ideas, and notes in a gardening journal. Tracking milestones, from planting dates, to when you last added mulch, to specific varieties of plants, will provide invaluable insights for future gardening success.
The Joy of Seed Starting
An exciting aspect of winter gardening is starting seeds indoors. With careful planning, gardeners can germinate seeds, promoting growth even when it is bitterly cold outside.
Learning During Winter
Winter is a wonderful time to come to the garden center and have your questions answered. We are here and are happy to help. You can also walk around the nursery and see plants as they look in winter. There are several that offer winter interest and color. In addition, we have gardening classes throughout winter and will announce those dates and topics soon.
A Season of Potential
Winter may seem inactive, but for passionate gardeners, it brims with potential. Embracing this quiet time allows for reflection, planning, and dreaming of the abundant garden that will return with spring.
As you sift through seed catalogs, notebooks, or garden designs, remember that planning is a vital part of your gardening practice. Engaging with your garden—even in winter—can develop a deeper connection to this wonderful hobby so many of us love. Let the echoes of your spring and summer garden inspire you during winter's lull. Every flourishing garden begins with a single seed of an idea, often planted in the quietest of seasons.