Bayscape Blog 12/29/10
New Year’s Resolutions for the Gardener
By Judy DeFiglio

Since my garden lays buried under a couple feet of snow it’s a little hard to think about spring planting. Even those blazing hot days we had this summer are just a fading memory. But as 2010 comes to a rapid end, we need to make some gardening resolutions for 2011. Here are some of mine.

1) I will plan my garden. I won’t buy a plant until I know where it will go.

Make those plans now. Don’t put it off. You know that when the weather breaks we all rush outside trying to escape our “cabin fever” from the long cold winter. We start to rake, dig and plant with a furious abandon. The rush is on and there is no time to plan, the garden is calling you. Do it now. Grab a mug of herbal tea (to remind you of that great herb garden you want to start), gather pen and paper or open your computer for those who prefer the hi-tech approach, and start your list.

2) I will incorporate more native plants in my garden.

Native plants are a winning addition to every landscape: gorgeous for the garden, good for the gardener because they are less work and great for the environment because they reduce the use of harmful chemicals. If you are starting a new plot, natives are the sensible way to go. They are low maintenance and require no fertilizer, and little to no additional watering. Even if you have an established garden you can find a native to include that will coordinate with your existing landscape. For ideas and information be sure to check the previous blogs.


3) I will only add plants to my garden that have several seasons of interest

A plant has to earn a spot in my garden. It must be more than just a pretty flower. Interesting leaf shape or color, berries, unusual seed pods, long blooming or reblooming flowers are some of the things to consider. Lots of natives have many of these attributes. Echinacea is a good example with pretty, long blooming flowers that can take the heat and drought as well as, interesting seed cones that attract birds to your garden.

4) I will do my best to pull weeds early and not use harmful chemicals to eradicate them.

Weeds can be a big problem in any landscape but powerful weedkillers can be an even bigger problem to the environment. Knowledge is the key. Learn to identify weeds and take care of them when they are young when they can simply be pulled to remove them. Weeding is good exercise and a really wonderful stress reducer.

5) I will mulch my garden beds

Mulch will reduce weeds, conserve water and give your landscape a finished look. It free at many County and Municipal Recycling Centers.

6) I will have a compost pile

Composting is the #1 best thing you can do to improve your garden. It is simple and easy. It does not smell. It’s another win/win situation. Fantastic for your garden and another great thing for the environment since you recycle lots of organic material that would be going to the landfill.

7) I will reduce my lawn size.

Everyone loves a nice, green lawn but it comes at a high cost. It is labor intensive and is causing problems for our environment. Barnegat Bay is suffering because so many homeowners over-fertilize their lawns and it runs off into the bay. Lawns also require a large amount of water to look good. Reducing lawn size can really make a difference. Try planting native grasses and groundcovers to replace some of your lawn. They are drought tolerant and also act as a filter to catch run off.

8) I will be a good Shore Steward

Find out more. www.littoralsociety.org

Happy New Year and Happy Gardening