A Grower Perspective

After the recent snow and cold I am reminded of the excitement and power of the force of Nature. I am always curious to see the surprises Mother Nature has in store for us, what changes happen and how we humans respond to this. A walk in the snow revealed a large branch came off the Douglas Fir in the far field. Another wind storm and it will be down on the ground, fuel for the next bonfire. This is a small action of nature power and one that will not require much response on our part other than to be noticed.

How does winter affect urban gardens? Some plants that are on the border of hardiness freeze-out and die leaving a space in the garden canvas for a new favorite, or space for the neighboring plants to fill in. Wind and stormy weather signals that tree pruners and arborists will be busy removing hazards, limbs and fallen trees. Plants succumb to the dangers of winter. This is both a positive and negative thing. There are opportunities for reviewing our gardens and making changes even if there is sadness and disappointment at loosing a favorite tree or prized shrub. One door closes and another opens.

Because it is winter and the snow shuts us down for awhile we have the opportunity to page through our favorite garden books that remind us of the plants and ideas we have rumbling around in our heads. Now we may have the time and space to act on them. It is a dynamic, exciting time and the nature of the situation is that we have no control over it. It can be a bit humbling, but also a bit of a relief that we do not and cannot control everything.

Gardens are dynamic situations. Plants are not furniture placed in our living room, but growing and changing living things. They have their own way, we interact with them but it is in their nature to grow and change. The lull in the active garden season is a time to clean and organize your tools, and also a time to revisit your garden dreams and make plans to take action on the next sunny day.