by Connie Oswald Stofko
Landscapes are constantly changing. What you did last year may not be what will work for you this year.
Trees and shrubs get bigger, making your landscape shadier. Or trees and large shrubs are damaged or destroyed during storms such as this year’s November storm or the Snowvember Storm of 2014. The effects may last for years.
I had an arborvitae that was damaged during the 2006 October Storm when a maple tree fell into our yard. The arborvitae was still standing, but was tipped over at a 45-degree angle. My husband, a neighbor and I tied a rope to the arborvitae, pulled it up straight, then staked it. For years it did well. But this spring, standing near the arborvitae, I noticed that when the wind blew, the ground beneath my feet moved–the roots weren’t stable. Since the arborvitae was growing up into the power lines, it seemed best to remove it before it fell.
Now I have a sunnier area and more space for other plants, such as a native shrub and more vegetables. My first resolution is to figure out how to best use that area.
My second resolution is to plant more marigolds.
I love everything about marigolds. There are short, medium and tall varieties of this annual. The flowers are bright yellow or orange or a mixture of colors. Marigolds work just as well in a pot as they do in a garden bed. And the spicy fragrance is a delight.
This year, I didn’t plant any marigolds and I really missed them. I looked longingly at neighbors’ yards where marigolds were still looking fresh in September. And October. And even into November!
I had a different set of resolutions in 2019. I kept those resolutions and it made my gardens more enjoyable. Other Western New York gardeners shared what they were planning to do, too, so make sure you read the comments on that previous article to get some inspiration.
What are your gardening resolutions for 2023? Please leave a comment below.
Hi Bonnie, that’s a lot! Many people cut back so they can enjoy their gardens more. Thanks for sharing.
I need to cut back on some garden areas. I currently have 9 separate gardens on 2 acres of land and that takes a lot of edging as well as weeding. When you are younger it’s fine but as you age everything takes more time and energy. I also volunteer in 3 other local park gardens.
Hi Art, those are great ideas. Let us know how you do replacing grass with clover and other plants.
I plan to develop areas of milk weed where I have tired old plants.
It’s time to begin replacing some grass areas with clover or wildflowers.
I learned lessons from that drought last year and intend to monitor watering.
Just try harder.
Hi Margaret, I can’t wait until Open Gardens! I am looking forward to seeing the new gardens.
Plant more intentionally.
2 areas of the pool gardens need redoing.
3 Visit more gardens during July Open Gardens. There are many new ones this year.
Hi Dolores, that’s too bad. I hope you figure out a solution.
Hi Paige, your weather is a lot different than here in Western New York!
I’m going to find a way to increase curb appeal, since my very sweet neighbors with 2 young children have purchased a camper and parked it on the edge of our front yard, blocking the view of our gardens.
I am in NoCal, my marigolds are still hanging in there although they do not bloom much.
Hi Suzanne, that sounds so interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Maria, that sounds fun!
Hi Cathy, thanks for the tip on that book! A Buffalo gardener found it was easier to use containers, and this Hamburg gardener recommends it, too. Let us know how it works for you.
Hi Jules, I found that happened in my own garden. Visiting garden centers throughout the growing season may help you find plants that are blooming later in the season. Here is an article that might help.
Hi Mike, you made me laugh!
Hi John, those sound like great ideas.
I want to learn more about drying all the beautiful plants in my garden and using them as gifts. I’ll grow more that are suitable for drying. I’m enjoying reading seed catalogues right now!
Expand my garden beds to make my lawn smaller and my gardens larger!
I have just read a small book by Duane Pancoast called The Geriatic Gardener. He has a blog by the same name.
I had a real tough time this summer finding the strength & stamina to do my usual gardening. Duane has helped me decide to plant this year’s annuals( & maybe more) in pots.
I want to plant more mid to late summer blooms in my gardens. I have beautiful gardens in the spring and full of color but by the end of summer it’s all green with just some splashes of color.
1. Put less dirt in the patio pots, so the squirrels don’t fling it everywhere quite as much.
2. Try to transition towards lower maintenance plantings (probably won’t happen).
1. Remove invasive and non- beneficial plants and shrubs.
2. Plant more natives.
3. Add Garden art.