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Prepare gardens and tools for year ahead

By MARY COLLISTER
Published January 12, 2007

By now many of us are past the holiday spirit and trying to get into a 2007 routine. I'm not much for new year's resolutions, but I do like to get organized and start a to-do list. I make sure not all the projects are big ones. I like to have a few easy goals so I have something to check off as I complete it. It keeps me motivated.

Yard projects are always part of my list. I didn't get my bridge to nowhere built last year, so that one has been carried over. I'll need to make a sketch and materials list. I want to finish it before the hot weather returns.

I also did not complete the brick edging around the outside of the screen enclosure. It looks good so far. I like having the solar lights there. They are certainly not safety lights, but as I told my husband, they add "ambience!" Our winter vacation sidetracked that project. It will only take about three more hours, so I'll finish it next weekend.

That's all the carry-over projects from 2006 - at least in the yard. We won't go into projects that are waiting to be completed inside the house; that's my husband's department.

As for your own list:

It certainly is not too late for winter color. If your yard looks a little blah after removal of the holiday lights and decorations, you might want to think about adding some annuals. The garden centers are full of beautiful annuals that will last until our humid, hot weather gets into full swing. Take a look at petunias, portulaca, daisies, mums, and many, many more. This is also a great time to pick up any perennials you would like to try.

Fresh mulch also adds some color to your landscape. If the mulch you put down last spring has lost all of its color, you may try raking it around. This will often bring some of the more colorful chips up to the surface. If that doesn't work, you might want to add a few bags of fresh mulch. I prefer eucalyptus, since the trees are easily renewed. I also like the smell and it is said to repel bugs. I usually get the mulch, as opposed to the chips, because I prefer the way it looks. The mulch doesn't last as long, but I'm okay with that.

If you have any concrete walkways or even a driveway in poor condition, now would be a good time to research remedies. There are concrete stains, concrete and acrylic overlays, or pavers. We had a concrete overlay put on our deck, and we love it. We'll be having the garage floor, driveway and front walkway done soon. Another project on our list! It seems like after living in your house for a little over 15 years, the list of updates and repairs keeps growing. It will come in handy that our son owns a decking company, and my Christmas gift list included free labor for our concrete projects.

This has been a very warm winter so far, but don't get complacent. We may well get cold weather later this month and on into February. Keep your ears on the weather and blankets ready if you have plants that need protection.

It is worthwhile to clean, oil and repair all of your landscape tools. Sharpen blades and oil all metal parts. Throw away those tools that are difficult or irritating to use. Donate or give away duplicates and keep just what you use. Change the oil, filter, and spark plugs in your lawn mower and other gas-powered equipment. Check all the electrical cords and make sure they are not frayed. A little time spent now on your equipment will pay dividends when you begin using them.

I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous New Year and a 2007 full of gardening successes.

[Last modified January 11, 2007, 22:26:06]