At the December meeting of the Cobb Master Gardeners it was mentioned by
someone, I won't say who, that January could be considered a non-gardening
month. I suppose there could be a small element of truth in that statement as
the pace definitely does slow down. With a mug of hot coffee in hand I walk
about the garden and observe that, quite naturally, the vegetables and flowers
are all gone along with most of the leaves. Bulbs should have already been
planted, likewise pansies. There really is less to do at this time of the year
and that alone is a blessing. That doesnąt mean there is nothing at all to do.
If it were summer we might well be complaining about the heat, the drought and
the mosquitoes. But this time of year mosquitoes are not a problem, we are
blessed with natural air conditioning, not much watering is required because
plants (and people) are not stressed by heat and drought. With conditions like
this, now is the perfect time for certain projects.
I am, or should be, digging post holes on 8 foot centers so I can erect a
wooden privacy fence. Intermittently I will be doing a little pruning as I see
the need for it. I have a screech owl box that needs installing plus I need to
continue adding to a stone wall and rock border project started earlier. All
this physical exercise is good for your body. It builds strength and endurance
and helps you sleep better. Just be careful not to overdo it. I know I certainly
wonąt be overdoing it because at my age 'afternoon delight' means taking a
nap.
Later in the day I plan to look out each window of the house to assess the
garden view and decide what needs to be done. I will do the reverse by walking
out to the street and critiquing the view from that angle.
Garden guru, Walter Reeves, once gave some of the best gardening advice I
have ever heard when he said 'neatness counts'. Structures, walls and walks
define the garden, art and ornaments enhance it and plants decorate it but in
order to look good it must be neat and clean. It will be more impressive if it
is uncluttered. With all that in mind I just hope I can get most of it done
before February, the next non-gardening month.