Tofino garden in January 2007

by Trina Mattson, Tofino

Relax, whatever gardening you plan to do this month, don't do it. Think of the sore muscle, the endless watering and weeding, the pruning, pinching, planting, digging, cleaning, and the BUUUGGGGSSSS. Think back to yester year, the days of Yore. Take back control, don't let your garden rule you, RULE your garden. Ya right.

WAKE UP!!! It's January, and the garden alarm has gone off, time to start in on the cleanup from the winter woes.

I hope everyone faired well with the winds and the rain and the snow, and the sleet, and that was just in one day. One minute I was all caught up with the winter work and getting ready for spring, when, well, minor amounts of trees fell, enough to leave a mess and a small amount of damage, but no one was hurt and no buildings were smacked.

Besides the branches and trees that may have to be picked up from the lawns, and the garden furniture that needs to be chased down, we should be set and relaxing waiting for the blooming spring to happen, shortly the crocus' and the rockery bulbs should be showing some color, and the Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) as well as the Rhodo rosamundi, will be bursting forth, the heathers are in about mid bloom, as well as the winter camellias.

Then February will be right on its heels, get ready for seeds, primroses, hellebores, and the start of gardening, the fertilizing, liming, dormant oils and slug prevention just to name a few.

Just a sneak peek into some new items that are coming your way this year, we have daturas on order, ergonomic gardening tools, and organic lawn weed controls, just to whet your appetite. And in the gift shop, another new line of products for your home, as well as gift baskets, off the shelf or special orders, featuring the Epicurean Food line that got rave reviews for us over the holiday season.

So again, for now, get a back rub, stretch those tender muscles, pamper your fingers, relish in the fact that at this very moment, almost nothing is eating your plants,

And no weeds are taking over your patch of paradise.

Happy New Year Ancient axiom: I plant... Therefore I am

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Trina Mattson runs the Ordinary Corner Nursery in Tofino at 619 Tibbs Place Road.