Please don’t look back on any of my prior year’s gardening resolutions because chances are I’ll be repeating myself here and more than likely, never followed any of the previous resolutions.
Let’s start fresh okay?
As I look back on 2018, I can safely say it was the most underwhelming gardening year for me since I started this blog back in 2010. I can easily blame it on lack of available time but that doesn’t capture the full truth. The truth is I lost my mojo somewhere in the spring and never really gained it back at any point.
But I’m not here today to dwell on that. You’ve heard enough from me on that with prior posts. Today we simply look ahead. Today I implore my future 2019 self to at least attempt to keep these resolutions in mind as the months progress. If I can follow even 33.333% of what I’m about to propose, it can be called progress.
I like progress.
So without further ado, here’s what I hope to accomplish in 2019.
Cherish those plants that thrive in spring
No plant better fits into this category than Lady’s Mantle. Nothing shines more than this perennial on a wet spring morning and nothing fades to crap more in the heat of summer.
Make sure you sit and stare at her more John when she is flourishing.
Expect the worst
I can fight the deer to the best of my ability but at some point they’ll get me. So what, it is what it is. Don’t stress it and just move on.
Chances this resolution is followed: 8%
Get creative
It’s comical how many of the same photos of the same plants I have from year to year. I’m sure you all know it too. It’s the reality of having a gardening blog.
But when I look back, I really enjoy those pics that were at least an attempt at presenting the garden from a different perspective. Yes this is my dumb sneaker, but I can’t lie, I like the pic and the faded color of spring bulbs and spring foliage in the background.
Don’t sweat it
Are you sensing a theme here? A lot of RELAX JOHN.
If the flower color clashes, so be it. I should be happy that they are blooming at all and that the deer haven’t ended the display.
Remember to give up on certain plants
… because that’s exactly when they thrive.
It’s psychological warfare out in the garden and the moment I leave a plant for dead, that is when it bounces back. I’m not above announcing the giving up out loud. I know those bastards are listening.
So I’ll be holding an official You’re done party for this Sambucus nigra in spring. And watch, it will grow taller than two feet.
Get over it
Accept the winter damage and move on.
Add more non-plants
It’s amazing how the space will be transformed. I’ve only been telling myself this for two decades now.
One year it will sink in. Why not 2019?
Look closer
You’ll never know what you’ll find.
Take a few steps back
Embrace the open spots.
Show your warts.
Accept feedback.
Stop hiding the not so pretty.
Stop being boring
C’mon John, you’re better than that.
Bare garden = weeds out the ^&%$^^
If you’re going to clear a new area for planting, plant immediately before the weeds have a chance to take over.
It happens year after year and then most of my time is spent eradicating said weeds.
It’s time to learn my lesson.
No more surgeries
Only during December through February if necessary.
I wasted my September through October this year.
