In the middle of winter, gardening can be a challenge. I’m in Southern

California where we have a fairly good climate year-round, so I think the

problem for me just might be attitude. I think we get a mental January

“hangover” after the holidays. The weather is acceptable, but our mentality

motor for gardening is just not functioning. The Christmas decorations are

all boxed up in the garage, but not stashed in the garage attic yet…leaving

them visible as we go in and out of the garage. I always work better with a

clean slate!

So… I began yesterday pruning my roses. I felt a spark of something

exciting! It was that feeling of getting the basic groundwork started and it

felt compelling. I decided to set out by finding and assessing my gardening

gloves. I pulled out some with caked-on mud, a couple without mates, and

some stiff with age. Perfect! I had a goal… shopping for some and

washing what was salvageable, but tossing the rest. I felt a little tingle of

excitement as I mentally took inventory of tools and a beginning agenda for

my gardens.

The next morning, my spark of excitement from the day before needed

some stretching. How could just planning the work ahead feel so mentally

stimulating, while the body stiffened up from just refreshing a couple of

potted containers? I guess gardening CAN compete with working out at

the gym…something that had also been neglected for a while.

OK…. I get a two-for-one benefit from gardening… I’ll take that with a smile. My

husband volunteered to prune back the raspberries and blueberries! That

will be a big help. Come late Spring, we’ll have some yummy treats

straight from the garden.

My hubby helps by mowing the lawn. While I do the pruning and planning…

two things I find very satisfying. Right now… its time to fertilize everything!

I’ve learned that lightly is better, even if you have to repeat the process to

get a jump on Springtime. I find that the time I spend in the garden is so

rewarding. It’s like decorating, only outside! It adds color, style, and design.

January is also a good time to inspect patio furniture and pads. They can

be so inviting as Springtime arrives. Let’s put on those gloves and get

started… I can’t wait!