Contributed by Allan Robinson
Like many of you, last weekend I was completing one of the “final” final clean-ups of the year. I’m hedging to say “final” as this IS New England and for another few weeks leaves will accumulate beneath the Boxwood hedge along my front walk. As the garden winds down, I find myself ticking through my mental checklist, taking stock of my garden. The thought occurs to me – maybe I will be out at least one more time unless Mother Nature unleashes the first snowfall of the year soon – but I digress.
I began my mental list of autumnal tasks: leaves bagged and at the curb, mm-hmm; bulbs in the ground ready to pop in the spring, ok; spigots off, hoses and patio furniture in the basement – all present and accounted for. Perennials cut back – I’ve even divided a few and transplanted them, ready to settle in for their long sleep. The winter A-frames and other assorted structures are in place to protect the plants in case we have another monumental snow load like last year. Holiday lights are on the tree and the ground is beginning to freeze. I think I may be done, beyond those last pesky leaves.
Sadly another year of gardening is coming to a close. I’ll continue to mark the calendar with the usual events like Christmas, New Years, MLK & Valentine’s Day until garden activities resume. I will also follow many of the winter garden events such as my Hawthorne tree losing its berries, Hellebores blooming in late winter, Crocuses and Snowdrops poking their heads through the snow, and some of the surest signs of spring: Hostas, Daylilies and Peonies beginning to push their tiny tips through the ground around the beginning of April. I can’t wait!
Until then I’ll be planning for next year’s garden. Lining up more tasks and big ideas like I hatched during last year’s 106 inches of snow. More transplanting, new plants and bigger projects like a reconfigured deck, an artistic fence to frame a view, and professional landscape installation services that we offer. While I am sad to head back inside, I feel a sense of satisfaction and optimism for 2016. How about you?
