Perhaps those of us who work closely with nature are more aware of the change of the seasons and the cycle that seems to begin again as each winter turns to spring.
Having said that, The New Year is rushing up to me just as fast as it is to you and everyone else, and I'm as bewildered as I am every year to find the beginning of another year lurking around the corner.
Of course, it is traditional at this time of year to resolve to do things better, or more efficiently, or more often than we did in the preceding twelve months. I have a few ideas for some resolutions that you might want to put on your list this time around. No, this has nothing to do with giving up smoking, decreasing calorie intake or increasing exercise output. These are resolutions specifically for people like you and me; people who relish the enjoyment of their landscape... whether it's a quarter acre in an urban setting or a vast spread of rural acreage.
Most items we tend to put on a list of New Year's resolutions are burdensome, tedious... and conveniently forgotten at the first opportunity. These are different! These are resolutions that you'll find relatively easy to achieve and deeply rewarding throughout the year. Here we go:
"I resolve to plant a tree." Pick a type of tree that will thrive within your "growing zone" and has a level of care requirement that matches your degree of expertise and time available. Look through print catalogs and visit online informational sites to help you decide on the tree that is right for you. Even if you already have a number of trees on your land, resolve to add one more in the coming year. Will you choose an evergreen? A decorative tree that will provide beautiful fall colors? A fruit tree that will allow your family to enjoy (literally) the fruits of your labor of love? The world needs more trees! If everyone in America were to plant just one tree in 2003, we'd have a total of... well, a lot more trees. If you need a guide to finding useful tree information online, you can find numerous resources listed at my website www.landsteward.org and if you're unsure of your "zone" you can ask me via e-mail at steve@landsteward.org
"I resolve to involve my spouse / significant other." Enjoyment of your landscape is greatly enhanced when you have someone to share it with. If your spouse already shares your love of trees, plants and shrubs... good for you! If not, find ways to get your special someone out there on the land with you. There'll be someone to help with the more onerous chores such as lifting and weeding. But more importantly, there'll be someone with whom you can share the real creative satisfaction that comes from seeing your landscape improve and grow. Here's a tip that seems to work particularly well for the ladies: We men love to give advice (even when it's not wanted!) so ask hubby what he thinks about the placement of the rock garden, or where the new greenhouse should go. Pretty soon, you'll draw him out from his recliner and he'll be right alongside you, if only to lean on his shovel and watch you work!
"I resolve to create a plan for my landscape." This is a resolution you can live up to in the comfort of your living room, regardless of the weather outside. I've given detailed suggestions about landscape planning in previous columns that you can find archived at my website, www.landscape.org but all you need is some imagination, a few sheets of grid paper and a pencil. Think of a project that would fit within your skill level and your budget. Perhaps you'll want to clear the side yard and plant some new shrubs, or purchase and assemble the pre-fabricated greenhouse you've always promised yourself. But it all starts with a plan, so resolve to sit down with that paper and pencil tonight!
"I resolve to join a community landscape project." This will depend on where you live. It might be as simple as getting together with neighbors to clear brush or debris from your immediate surroundings. But you can also take on more of a challenge and find a local group dedicated to revitalizing a waterway, or creating an inner-city mini park. This newspaper might be good place to start if you need information about projects needing volunteers. Call or e-mail the editor or an editorial assistant and they should be able to point you in the right direction.
You'll have other, more personal, resolutions to add to this list, but I'm hoping I was able to spark a few ideas for you. Happy New Year!
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit www.landsteward.org often.
