“Anyone who thinks gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year; for gardening begins in January with the dream.”
—Josephine Nuese
Words of truth, I’d say! We begin winter here thinking about the long, silent months ahead. The deep snow and the frigid temperatures which will turn us indoors for more reading and knitting and fire-warmth. We drop our shoulders, breath deep, and feel thankful for the slow pace of winter. We’re some of the few who are not in a hurry to move these cold months along…the sun and the warmth will come back to us, all in good time. But we can feel the stirrings now, the seed catalogs spread across the table, the lists of new plants for the nursery ( some dandy primula!), the urge to ‘hoe’ out the greenhouse and fire up the stove that heats it. Oh, truth be told, our minds are never completely void of gardening and plants and soil. Notebooks are filled with lists and ideas for a new season of promise. Are you thinking about spring? Does a bit more winter trouble you? Are your veggie seeds ordered? Any new garden plans? Let’s hear!
Fernwood Nursery & Gardens 
I have more seeds in hand than I have space to plant them. Hours each week are spent making “to do” lists that include plants that I want from various sources. My list for Fernwood includes a few more boxwood and several more thalictrium rache bruianums because the one I put in last year was such a Star- a combo of.graceful form and vibrant color. One of the things I’m REALLY looking forward to is the CMBG symposium with some major speakers including you all. I can’t wait!
Hello Dana,
So nice to hear from you! I know exactly how it feels to have more seeds than space, but seeds save and space can be made is my motto!! We’ll see you at Maine Botanical for our contribution to the symposium. Hopefully we’ll be open the very first week of May…if winter peters out by then!
I’ll be there soon after opening day!
This is my first Maine winter. It has been a time of rest and reflection. I very much enjoyed your post. Thank you!
Hello Kim, Yes, winter is for just those things…rest and reflection. Here in Maine the weather is well suited for just that!
I’m going to order organic vegetable seedlings this year because I won’t be home to plant seeds. But, yesterday I was in a local box store and saw pots of Johnny Jump Ups. So, there is one sitting on the condo balcony where I can see those happy faces as I watch the waves comes crashing in. 🙂 Stay warm this weekend. I had to wear a heavy winter coat, scarf, hat, and gloves to walk the beach today.
Turning cold again later in the week. A while before we see any Johnnie jump-ups on this end…but plenty of ‘jumping jacks’ to stay warm. Ha!
I’m happy with the slower pace of winter. Also to be able to walk without worrying about ticks is a huge plus of the season. I’m not in a rush for spring!
Ah yes, no ticks! And wouldn’t it be great if the deep freeze rid us of them for good! Happy mid-winter to you , Eliza!
Hope springs eternal. 🙂 Thanks!
I am thinking about spring and how some of my beds need revamping.
Well, you have another two months for garden dreaming…then we’ll all be with our hands deep into the soil!
Just bought herb seeds and new pots! Awaiting a delivery of compost. January and February are all about hope. “This year I promise to keep up with the weeds! This year I’ll be better about pinching back my mums AND my tomatoes.”
Those are good goals, more tomatoes and more blooms!! What type of herbs do you like to grow. We will be having our 2nd tea making class this summer and talking about gathered and grown herbs for making tea. Great fun!
I usually only grow cooking herbs; basil, sage, Rosemary, lots of thyme and oregano and mint taking over my garden!!!
Thyme and oregano are wonderful throughout the season, fresh or dried! Excellent choices!
Been thinking about spring – who doesn’t with the weather this week? But no plans yet. And no catalogs! I need to order some. Meanwhile I sit by the fire and knit and spin. It has its good points.
You are using your winter time wisely…words from a fellow knitter and spinner!
I can hear Harry Chapin in my head, singing, “all my life’s a circle . . . “
Love Harry Chapin, such a poetic song writer! Thank you, Kerry for reminding me of his music and yes, all my life is a circle!
I love, love, love winter and am in no hurry for it to move along. Part of winter’s allure are the hours spent leisurely contemplating spring and summer plans. My seeds are already here, and I’m mulling garden layouts and companion plantings.
What fun and to be able to mull over summer plans in a leisurely way…divine winter.
Did I just read “plenty of Primula”?? Huzzah! Now I am definitely coming by for a visit later this year!
Plants are getting ordered as well as seeds from the society exchanges and seed sowing will begin very soon. I am going to put the trays of seed pots straight outside this year, bypassing the grow lights indoors until later in the winter.
There is lots of knitting going on here with walks in the snow…..all in all a wonderful winter in the Vermont woods.
All sounds quite perfect, Amy! A good life we live here in the north east!