January - gardening fever starts again!

So holidays are over, it's nice outside (right now), and I can't think of anything better to think about than gardening planning for 2012.  What, it's not just me, right?  Are you there yet?  Dreaming of big, exciting garden renovations for 2012?  I am so there.  I have some pretty major plans for this year, starting with taking down 2 spruce trees at the back of my Adventure Garden.

Above: here's my Dad yesterday after we had removed the lower branches from the 2 doomed trees (I'm holding the rope!)  Not to worry, I am a tree hugger at heart, and I have plenty more trees in my garden.  These two particular trees were planted too close together, too close to a retaining wall, thus they were ratty and scraggly looking, (not to mention, of course, they were stealing too much sun and moisture from the garden.)  I don't think you should ever feel bad about taking down a tree that someone else planted in the wrong spot.  These two trees will be replaced with a large lilac and some shrub roses in spring, which are hardy and drought-tolerant, will provide privacy, and will help screen the view of that utility pole back there.

... and now I have a big mess on my back lawn to get rid of.  I see a chipper rental in my future!

Comments

[Paula H.]

I bet it looks great back there! I am with you on planning to get out in the garden. This is the year of the vegetable. I have experimented with planting some veggies in the fall - onions, carrots, lettuces... we'll see what happens.

[Calgary Garden Coach]

Thanks Paula, I'm sure I will enjoy the bigger view of the sky once the daylight hours increase and I can actually see the sky before/after work...
Good for you on the fall planting, I had good intentions to do same but ran out of steam. Let me know how things turn out!
Cheers,
Janice

[Maggie]

If you get the chipper, will you keep the mulch for your garden? I wonder if you could just bundle the branches and leave them with your christmas tree for a the city to pick up. Maybe leave some bundles with the neighbours. We took down a tree last sping, baged it and distributed around the back lanes on garbage night.
Congrats on more trees out of your yard!
Maggie

[Calgary Garden Coach]

That's not a bad idea, thanks Maggie! But that's a lot of branches and there's more to come (more on that soon!) Plus I have plenty of places to use the mulch so yes, I'm keeping it.

This week-end will be the first day since taking down the trees that i'll be home in daylight, so I'm looking forward to seeing how much more light the back shade garden will get now. lots, I bet. Woohoo, I'm so excited!

Janice