Sunday, December 16, 2007

Winter Gardener

I've started my garden. Oh, I know it's only a few days from the winter solstice and it was -15 yesterday morning, but it's time. It's time.

I got a book on interlibrary loan entitled The Way We Garden Now by Katherine Whiteside. The subtitle is 41 pick and choose projects for planting you paradise large or small. It's a low key, practical guide to gardening. Whiteside banishes perfectionism. Just what I need for my winter garden imagination.

I've already imagined enlarging the flower beds in the front yard, building the compost heap containerwe've been putting off doing, and thought about what tools I need to acquire or replace. I've worried about imaginary weeds and bugs, then read what to do to rid my space of them. I've planned an imaginary watering strategy for the desert conditions here on the high plains. What will be next? I have no idea, but it sure is fun thinking about the warm days of summer here in the heart of winter.