Gardening for the Soul

This year I want to approach Gardening in a more soulful manner...

There were times last summer when I approached my garden time as work time. I want to step back and remember that my garden is my retreat. My garden should be a place to reflect, to replenish, and marvel at the miracle of growth and renewal!!!

January is a month of planning and anticipation of the gardening months. This year, at this time, in Colorado I have up to two feet of snow in the backyard and along the garden walk in the frontyard. When I look on the snow, I see a blanket of hope covering the flowerbeds and lawn. The promise and hope of the upcoming season that it will be productive and beautiful, knowing that this snow is much needed moisture that will seep into the ground.

Planning. My plans are to "dream big" of what I want to accomplish.

VEGETABLE GARDEN AREA:
*Install raised beds
*Remove current garden shed in order to enlarge the growing area.
*Install a small garden shed/ wall unit along north fence.

EAST YARD:
*Clean up branches/ mulch.
*Clean up compost area.
*Dig and replenish area.
*Prepare for fruit trees and plants for '08 season.

RAISED BED and CORNER-Seating area:
*Plant loads of perennials and annuals for a flower bed that blooms with beauty.
*Lower level, plant with medium sized, mounding flowers.
*Plant vines or tall flowers (gladiolus?) along fence.
*Pots or containers along south wall?
*Trim evergreen and plant shade plants.... hostas? ground cover? astilbes?