To Do List

Christmas is over and New Years is coming up fast and furious.  I was lucky enough to have 11 days off work to regroup and feel what it would be like to be retired. Oh I wish I was financially able to do that!

One of the things on my To Do List was to plan what to plant where in the garden. Keeping in mind that I don't want to plant things where they have been before it can be a bit tricky in a small garden. I think I have pretty much figured it out with a bit of juggling. I know when the time comes things usually change a bit. I don't know if I will be organized enough to get those wire potato cages done with all the compost that goes in them or if I will be able to get some kind of a better cover for my tomatoes this year. Already I'm feeling a bit stressed about it. Then there is the matter of the fence between my plot and the one next door. I have good intentions but my intentions include my hubby and both of us are building challenged. Saws scare me. I wish my Dad could help, he was an amazing carpenter and would be able to whip up something no problem.

There is also the matter of my back yard at home. It is lovely but now that I have lived with it for 6 months I can see some things need "adjusting". I'm going to wait and see if there are any surprises that come up in spring but a few things need to go and a few things need to be planted in the spots. Number one I want more flowers. There are a few evergreen shrubs in the flower beds and they need to go before they get too big. Homes will be found for them!

Then there is the matter of the Kiwi vine that is growing up to the back upstairs deck. Having never had a kiwi plant before and not knowing what to expect I thought I would wait and see. Well, I've waited and it was just a leafy vine with lots of big spiders in it. Spiders scare me. I know they are good and I steer clear of them but they still scare me. I think they are scared of me too. I chopped a bunch of it down in the fall but it will probably have to be dug out. I thought a honeysuckle would be nice and my little hummingbirds would love it. Pretty much that is the plan for the back yard gradually introduce lots of flowers for the hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Perhaps a few flowers for inside too. Love Dahlias! Then there is the dead space right by the deck. Doesn't get a lot of sun and I don't think the soil is that deep but I might build a raised bed and grow herbs there or at least try to. Herbs I find are better close to home. Having them in my garden plot is pretty inconvenient.

For Christmas this year I was spoiled and got a home growing light system and four seed starter kits from Lee Valley Tools. I have had them before and they are the best. They are self watering so even if you are forgetful (like me) they do fine. I might start my geraniums (for the house) as well as cucumber, tomatoes, eggplant and whatever else I fancy. Amsterdam Greenhouse (where my hubby bought the grow system) has a couple of Saturday seminars that I might take on growing plants from seeds. Timing is the key. Usually I start them too early so I will have to restrain myself.... maybe...we will see.

Happy New Year!