Tofino Gardening in January 2008

Tofino Gardening
in January 2008

by Trina Mattson, Tofino

While I whole heartedly agree that any gardening in January is more in the mind and consists mostly of staring out the window perhaps enjoying the first of the bulbs to pop their heads up like the snowdrops, most likely it'll it be gazing out and sighing as you stare at the rain and watch the wind blow over your carefully placed statue.

But wait, with enough imagination the statue could become a giant rock jutting out the tropical pool (mud puddle) with swirling water coming from the very high waterfall (hole in the gutter), and the scent of jasmine wafting in the warm tropical breeze ( scented candle and forced air heating) while the jungle animals (kids) race about in the forest (house scattered with all their new Christmas toys) and Tarzan or Jane lounging about in a hammock (spouse sleeping on the couch) and a pina colada ( okay this one could be true) waiting for you.

Yeah, yeah.

Alright it's January already, and I can't always think of things to do in the garden that could fill a whole column for you to read about, and as I stare out the window, trying to come up with some ideas, my mind tends to wander (old age). There is always the odd dryish day that you are able to go out and pick up a few branches that the wind tossed into your garden, and the birdies are always on the look out for something to eat, especially after a wet winter. You could throw some bulb fertilizer on those few bulbs that are brave enough to show themselves this early in the spring. Start to watch for any mortalities in your pond, a good indication is the smell, not rotten just fishy.

Check your garden and pots for signs of bulbs, peeking their first greenery through the soil, the jays and crows might dig them up, if so put a tray with holes or chicken wire over them, also get ready to prop up the stems with some cut branches and twigs this will help the taller varieties from falling over in the wind and rain. And in general just enjoy the rain.

Get ready for a New Year of planning and planting wooohooooo!

Trina Mattson runs the Ordinary Corner Nursery in Tofino.