One of the mistakes made this time of year is that we gardeners want to get out there and start digging, planting, pruning, you name it! While right now is a good time to prune winter plants, winter is not over! Those plants at your local garden shop are filling the shelves but it isn’t time. The rule of thumb is, wait until after Easter. I know! I know that seems like a life time from now. You saw my yard in Alabama in my pictures I posted. How my poor daffodils were struggling to raise their snow covered heads. As much as I am itching to get out there I know another freeze is out there, lurking to freezer burn my new plantings if I become impatient.  And if you are living in the North Country you know you are nowhere near getting out in the yard.

What to do? Last year I wrote about forcing bulbs this time of year and that is what I did. I got a delightful present this year which was a pot, soil and two Paper White daffodils from my daughter. As I looked out my kitchen window missing the sun, missing the warmth I watch the fragile blooms open up and say, “Cheer up! Spring is on the way!”

Another great success I have every year is that my Poinsettia is still blooming and will continue to thrive. So here in the middle of winter I have two great flowering plants that are keeping my orchids company!

Oh, one more great habit gardeners succumb to this time of year is the garden catalogs. So grab your catalogs and snuggle up in a cozy chair in front of the fire and dream of your flowers, the vegetable patch, or the berries you intend on cultivating! I know who hard it is to wait until after that last frost! That is why I am the Impatient Gardener!

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