My thought for this week is not-so-much a gardening tip as it is a life tip. Slow down. With this warm weather, it is virtually impossible not to garden. Just keep in mind it is still February. Perfect for trees, shrubs, perennials, cool-weather veggies, and annuals. Believe me, I understand the call of the tomato. But, really, the soil is still way too cold for tomatoes to thrive. Unless you have a greenhouse, be patient. It will freeze again. And if it doesn’t, I will gladly eat my words (and be jealous when you are eating your early tomatoes). 

My modus operandi when overwhelmed with tasks is quite often to freeze, grab a book, and/or stick my head in the sand. The sanctuary of a book was calling my name yesterday, but with the old saying “make hay while the sun shines” repeating in the back of my mind, I trudged on. Blinders on and tunnel vision activated (my apologies to any customers I may have overlooked in my focused state), I set about reclaiming certain areas. Just like when the house is a wreck, pick one spot and start there. Find one area of your garden and rescue it. Plant something pretty there and stand back and admire it, before you move on to the next fire or bed, rather. 

Certainly, this is all easier said than done. I have such grandiose plans for the grounds, and only so many hands. And while yes, it is just February, it will be May before we know it.  But for now — and always — it is today. We can spend our days frantically trying to check it all off, or we can choose to set realistic goals, actually get that job done, and then sit back and take pleasure in what we have accomplished. 

 

One bed at a time.