A new year traditionally brings about resolutions right? Be they for losing weight, being more organized or simply an overall “being better” wish, resolutions are good goals to have. Gardeners are no exception to wishing for the better: better gardens, better planning, better harvests, better record-keeping, and so forth.
Following are five resolutions that we at the National Garden Bureau wish every gardener, no matter their level of expertise, will embrace in the new year:
1. I will embrace nature and garden for the birds, the bees, the butterflies – and the bats, too. One of the most enjoyable benefits of having a garden is being able to enjoy the beautiful creatures that visit it. So plan your flowers and vegetables with that in mind then sit back and enjoy the show. Remember, planting a pollinator-friendly garden is good for the pollinators, good for the earth, good for your veggie garden and good for you.
You can help replenish the population of pollinators by planting a pollinator-friendly garden. Choose appropriate plants for your local area then click here to register your garden. Help us reach one million new pollinator gardens.
2. I will not blame myself for gardening failures. Sometimes Mother Nature is not our friend when it comes to gardening. Or life gets in the way. We do not want you to despair. Simply try again and learn from experience. Your garden and your gardening friends are both extremely forgiving.
3. I will not be afraid to ask questions. How else can you learn? Take advantage of the experience of your neighbor, your aunt, the garden center employee or the local extension agent. If they are like typical garden fanatics, they will appreciate your interest and be flattered that you want to learn from them. And learn you will. Click here for a long list of website and blogs that you can use as resources.
4. I will share my passion. We have all seen the studies that show many of today’s gardeners got their start by learning from someone else, usually a parent or grandparent. Can you be that mentor? Will you be the reason your son or daughter serves homegrown vegetables to your grandchildren? Can you inspire your neighbor to plant window boxes for the first time?
5. I will try something new. This is kind of a no-brainer, right? Have you ever met a gardener who didn’t want the newest of the new plants, for bragging rights if nothing else? But what about really new … like a new growing style or completely new crop of vegetables. Cruise around our NGB members’ websites (here) and we guarantee you’ll find something irresistible that’s out of your usual comfort zone. Look to the AAS Winners for trialed and tested varieties.
Founded in 1920, the National Garden Bureau is a non-profit organization whose mission is to disseminate basic instructions for backyard gardeners and those who want to garden, that will inspire them to spend more time outdoors enjoying all nature has to offer.
