Georgette Recker
Somervell County Master Gardener
DON’T THINK THE GARDEN LOSES ITS ECSTASY IN WINTER. IT’S QUIET, BUT THE ROOTS ARE DOWN THERE RIOTOUS.
-RUMI
In the blink of an eye, January 2020 is coming to its end. I hope you had a wonderful December and that the new year is finding you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to create some memorable experiences in your garden. I, for one, am anticipating my best garden ever, but then again I feel that way every January. The seed catalogs are piling up, I’m watching the weather report, checking my slumbering perennials for signs of life, dreaming of the smell of warm earth and the feel of dirty fingernails and the taste of ripe tomatoes. Crazy, right? But, maybe not so crazy. According to an article by Janet Keift in Horticulture Update from Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas A & M University, “Gardens play an important part in our well being. A garden might serve as a tranquil retreat or private escape from the demands of everyday life. The beauty of flowers can lift spirits, while pulling weeds can be a great release for stress and excess energy. A harvest of colorful flowers or tasty vegetables provides a sense of achievement and feelings of success, while neighbors and visitors often express their appreciation for those efforts.”
So, with apologies for being tardy with the newsletter this month, let’s roll up our sleeves, pull on our gloves and hats, and let’s get ready to garden!