As gardeners, during the winter months we start missing our time in the garden. We spend so much time in our gardens during the warm season, that when we are forced to slow down due to frozen ground or uncomfortable cold, we can start feeling depressed and eager to get back to playing in the soil.

For those days that we can’t work in the garden doesn’t mean we can’t garden or at least think about gardening. There are some things we can do to help fight the winter blues.

This time of year is a great time to work on plans for new garden beds or future planting, because, unlike in warmer seasons, we are not physically working as much in the garden, so we can take the time to think about the future of garden spaces.

For instance, I have an area that is going to be a moon garden. This will be a small bed in my backyard, but we will need some planning to make it work. Now there are containers of trees for future bonsai, and an old unused stone patio. So, for starters I will find another place for the trees out of the way and if we get some workable days I will start removing the patio. Even if this is all I get done at this time physically, it will save me time in the spring when this may not be a priority.

I also need to move the honeybee hive. On these cold days, the bees are not very active, so it’s a good time to move them before their spring orientation flight.

With these thoughts in mind, I now can go to the drawing board. I must think about what plants will work in a space that is very shady and must bloom white to fit into the theme of this garden. While I peer out my window at a snow-covered camellia, I think this is a great time to do the research that is needed to accomplish my goal. I will spend time now getting my plant list together and drawing out the new bed. Even if the design changes — and that is ok — I will have the bones of the idea ready for when better weather arrives.

Even in the winter months our minds can be in the garden even if we can’t be there physically. During these last weeks of winter, spend some time working out any thoughts you may have for the upcoming spring season. Make your list of new plants, work through plans for a new planting bed or garden feature. Don’t be tempted to get out and do major bed clean-ups till we start getting at least a week of consecutive days above 50 degrees, so we can help our nesting insects. Waiting for bed clean-up doesn’t make you a lazy gardener, but makes you a steward of your little ecosystem. With your time spent planning now hopefully you will have a little more time in the spring to get your hands dirty.

Happy Gardening!

Serome