By Robin Haglund, CPH
As a professional garden consultant, I work year-round with gardeners ranging from novices to masters. A common thread among most is an aversion to winter gardening. As much as I agree that gardening under the burden of bulky winter clothes in cold, wet weather isn't as much fun as throwing on shorts to garden in summer sunshine, I encourage everyone to find some joy gardening in winter.
Winter reveals sparse, open spaces allowing us to see jobs we need to tackle. It exposes damaged branches in need of pruning. Weeds are unmasked as perennials wither, retreating into the earth until spring. Hornet nests, hidden amid lush summer beds, are unveiled as leaves scatter. Because so much is bare, this is the ideal season to clean up rapidly. Damaging top growth is less likely because so many garden elements have retreated to grow quietly below ground, awaiting spring's awakening call.
So, what should you be cleaning up during winter? Really, needs and priorities vary by gardener and garden. However, a few rules hold true for everyone.
Wait until after a hard frost to remove newly revealed
nests.
Cold wet days are a great time to get your garden shop in order. Although I encourage everyone to keep their tools sharp and sterilized at all times to avoid injuring themselves, damaging plants, or transmitting disease, winter is a great time to focus on your tools. Are your shears dull or nicked? Can they be sharpened and repaired or is it time to buy a replacement blade? Does your lawnmower need servicing? Drop it off now to avoid delays in spring. If shovels, shears or other tools are corroded, get out the steel wool, oil, and whet stone to clean and sharpen them thoroughly.
Witchhazel branches make beautiful indoor winter arrangements.
Robin Haglund, CPH runs Garden Mentors, a garden consulting service. To learn more, visit her online at www.gardenmentors.com.
Contributed by Breanne Jones
Communication Director
Washington State Nursery and Landscaping Association (WSNLA)
