Spring Inspiration for Green Gardening

“No matter how long the winter spring is sure to follow” -Proverb from Guinea

It’s 2009, and I’m looking forward to spring! We’ve already had a couple of nice days, and I’m inspired. I’ve been dreaming about all the beautiful bulbs to bloom, the lengthening of days, and the warmer temperatures. I’m a gardener, I can’t help it!

As we enter a new year, one thing that is in the forefront of everyone’s mind is the state of our economy. There are reminders in most all forms of media, so it’s not easy to escape (even if you want to!). So, instead of rambling on about pruning crape myrtles, remembering to water, and clearing away loose debris from one’s garden (although very important), maybe I should share with you some fun and thrifty things we can do this spring/late winter to save money, cultivate friendships, help our environment, and pass along wonderful traditions to our children.

Visit your grandparents or parents. Most of us here in the south have some family that has a garden, or “once upon a time” had a garden, and there is much to be learned from them! You might take a notebook or voice recorder and gather some “tried and true” advice to use in your own garden. It will always make it more special when you are rooting a crape myrtle or tending your garden and you think of your grandmother or grandfather.
See what’s lying around and use it. Use broken pots for drainage in the bottom of containers or display them as quirky decorations in the garden. Turn an old wagon or wheelbarrow into a vintage looking planter (be sure to allow for proper drainage). Organize your chemicals and fertilizers and make sure to use old product first before buying new. Use old bricks or stone to build a raised bed. Reuse the pot that your fall mum came in and make a container garden for spring.
Make your own compost. There are many contraptions available in which to make compost, or you may choose to build your own compost bin. Either way this is a good way to recycle lawn waste and put food scraps to good use. The fewer chemicals you use in your garden the better you can feel about the quality of your compost. Stop by our nursery and pick up a bag of compost maker that helps break down the waste quicker.
Share plants with others. In particular perennials. This may be a good thing to do with family. What is more special than seeing your grandmother’s rose bush in bloom in your own garden? Pay a visit to that neighbor with the “to die for hosta” and ask if you might help them do a little gardening this spring in exchange for a few hosta eyes! Even better don’t wait for someone to ask you. Offer your friends a fan of those beautiful Stella D’ Oro daylilies you have growing in your yard.
Try organic products. Even if you’re not totally organic, try using a few products this spring. It might seem to get easier the more products you work into your regular gardening regimen. There are so many great options now from worm castings (fertilizer) to diatomaceous earth (fire ant killer). There is something for everyone’s needs.
Visit your local nursery and see what you can learn. This is a great time of year to visit your local nursery. The staff has more time to give one-on-one advice and show off their new stock. Take advantage of the services offered by these trained experts! It’s FREE! This can also be a prime time for picking out balled and burlapped trees since they’ve just been dug. This is a good time to find sales and get a jump on what is going to be hot for spring. Nothing makes your gardening friends more jealous than for you to be the first one to have The Perennial (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’) or Hosta ('Earth Angel') of the year!
Set goals for your spring garden. Sit down with your family and make a list prioritizing what projects need to be done first and so on. The more we plan ahead the more likely we are to succeed. Whether it’s that fountain you’ve always wanted, a new stone patio, or a bright blue pot, start saving!
Try growing some of your own vegetables and herbs. Last year I had my first herb garden. I can’t tell you how rewarding it was to say “this from my garden”. If you don’t have an area to grow a large garden try using containers. Try an heirloom tomato or a pepper plant. Maybe grow some cilantro in another container and “bam,” you’ve got a Mexican fiesta!
Make it a family affair. What can be better than finding more ways to spend time with family? Take time and teach your children or spouse what you know about gardening. Take a family outing to River Valley and let everyone pick an herb or annual of their own to take home. Make gardening FUN!
Take time to enjoy. It is so important in today’s busy, busy world to take time and enjoy the “fruits of our labor”. Don’t spend all weekend in the yard. Do projects you know can be completed in a small amount of time or break up the project into sections. What good is a rose if you don’t have time to stop and smell it?