Bloom Day, January 2010

It is all about the evergreens and conifers now ... blue, green ... the rusty petals of cones opening and dropping seeds.

And the buds of the trees and shrubs holding their blooms against grey winter skies waiting for spring.

Here, even in January, the rocks along the river hold colorful lichens and mosses that bloom through the snow.

Bloom day is hosted (and created by) Carol at May Dreams Gardens.

2010:1 Canada Red

So, come Spring here's number one on my list of things to do. Prepare this little spot and plant my rhubarb patch. I have decided on the variety 'Canada Red' and I will order it from Vesey's out of Canada - should be hardy enough and it is supposed to be nice and sweet. These will be starter plants. I read that you shouldn't plant rhubarb from seed unless you live south. I'll agree with that. Apparently, it will take a couple of years before I will be able to harvest, but I can wait. If I see just one of those beautiful, large, green leaves this season, that'll do it for me. Here's the spot:

Previously this was a little patch that I sort of let grow "wild" and never mowed. But not much of interest has sprouted up. My "intuition" tells me this will be a perfect spot for Rhubarb and those lush, giant eaves should detract from the compost "bins" (to the right) and hide that blessed chain link fence. There is a patch of wild mint growing here that I will save. I think I'll underplant with some strawberries. Strawberries and rhubarb just go together, don't you think? We will see if my "intuition" is in tune come summer.

Garden/Theresa St/2010

That is the file name and location of my pictures on my computer for my garden here in the North Country. I can start a NEW folder for yet another year. This will be my third ... though my first year began in October of 2008 - not much of a start. I hope to add many more years at this location and actually see my garden mature.

So, Happy New Year! That means it's time to start planning my "spring strategy" or "plan of attack." The season can be short so I must be ready to go at the first sign of Spring.

I received a wonderful book for Christmas entitled "Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You Love" by Julie Moir Messervy. It is very inspiring and enlightening. I will be using it to refine my plans and really think about how I want to enjoy my garden space - and not just what other plants are on "my list" that I can fit here or there for the birds and the bees. I want to be able to sit in my garden (eternally in the making) and enjoy those birds and bees that I have been working so hard to attract!

So, here is a previous overall plan for my small plot that I worked out initially. It is geared toward creating a habitat for wildlife. I have followed it pretty closely but always end up changing a few things here and there and on the fly when digging in the garden.

I marked "feeding stations" and "water sources." Numbered a variety of plants chosen for their wildlife value. "Starred" the neighboring mature trees. "RB" means rain barrel - something I've yet to set up. Well, I move the bird feeders around a lot. And I had to purchase different types of feeders because of some of the aggressive birds here in this village like Starlings and House Sparrows that I never had in the Maine woods in such numbers. I move my bird baths when plants grow taller or bushier. I may have thought that shrub was a good choice but then I'll learn of a better option. I love old fashioned lilacs and really want one - not the best wildlife choice - but can't I have both in my garden? ... A plan is a good place to start but not necessarily what you (I) will end up with.

So, now I am thinking in terms of the "woodland border" section - which will eventually partially shade the "butterfly garden." But the "butterfly garden" can gradually move to the "nice driveway" section in full sun and I can build a new partially shaded perennial border where the butterfly garden border was - and what will that be? And then there is the "wet prairie" section ... and now I am thinking about incorporating "views" and "private retreats." Where will I sit and paint my garden? Where will I sit to enjoy an evening cocktail and watch the birds?

So I definitely need a PLAN OF ATTACK come spring. And think I'll start with digging around in the potager, specifically the (future) rhubarb patch.