Frosty Follies: A Gardener's Guide to Winter Woes and Plant Perils

As the frosty season sets in and our beloved lambs ear begin to droop, there are some things that we can still do to keep our frosty green thumbs busy this season.

Winter... we meet again. A season that we are met with year after year and yet the heartache of saying "bye for now" to a lot of my garden goodies gets me every time. BUT this year I shall be different! There are some little activities I am dabbling in to mitigate the frosty follies. Let's get into it!

INDOOR LOVELIES:

I've found one remedy for my winter woes – the addition of more indoor lovelies to my house. While I'm exceptionally particular about my indoor plants (very particular, to be exact), you might have a different approach. Historically, my strengths have been beyond the front door, out in the garden, and perhaps I just love some good ole' dirt-digging therapy. I've never considered myself an indoor plant enthusiast, hence the term "Indoor Lovelies" – it goes beyond the typical leafy companions. Sure, there's the Snake Plant, Fiddle-Leaf Fig, Peace Lily, and the usual suspects (all great sure sure), but I'm diving into a world that extends beyond the common indoor flora. Think fresh cut flowers in every nook of the house, interesting orchids that are beginning to bloom, an Amaryllis blossom opening up the week of Christmas, a cute little Olive Tree OR, something that I have started indoors recently, Rannuculus (more on that later). Who says you have to go cruise in the Lowe's indoor plant section and stare at a Ficus and think to yourself "it's not the same"... There is more out there!

Before we dive too deep, let's acknowledge that there's a vast array of things that can thrive indoors. When we typically think of indoor plants, our minds tend to gravitate toward a select few. No shade to those classics, but the world of indoor lovelies is much more diverse – just like my flourishing Ranunculus (okay, she's getting there)! Now, here's the tea on my Ranunculus adventure: A seemingly random trip to TSC (Tractor Supply Company) for a glass jar led to an unexpected delight. Yes, I could have gone down to Dollar General and be sure to find a glass jar but I wasn't in the mood... TSC is one of my comfort stores. Anyways, I took the gamble of TSC having exactly what I needed and they had so much more..TSC had a display featuring Hyacinth bulbs with glass jars for indoor growing. Cue my squeal of excitement! I snagged one for myself and one for my grandma, affectionately known as Gammy (THE Gammy). Amidst my jar quest, another charming display caught my eye. This time, a lone package sat on the shelf – an indoor Ranunculus grow kit. We are passed squealing now.... I am quaking in my boots. I didn't even know an indoor grow kit existed like this. After a getting more into it, I've found out there can be A LOT you do indoors, and even better, you can plant it outside after it has matured some. With a quick Google search of "What seeds can you start indoors?" you are met with so many indoor lovelies! Let's be clear though, not every seed you start indoor is going to look "lovely". Most of the list comprises of veggies that can be started indoors BUT they still will provide you some interesting texture in your kitchen or window seals. My tip would be to get a cute indoor planter with a tray to elevate the look. Sowing seeds indoors can get real raw, real quick. Keep it cute since it will be on display inside your home and when someone ask what those leafy green sprigs are you can casually give them a tour of your indoor garden. I can just hear it now, "Oh, it's just some Cosmos and Marigolds started from seed. Oh, and that there is a little clump of Spinach".

THE 7 P's: PRIOR PROPER PLANNING PREVENTS PISS POOR PERFORMANCE

In the words of my grandpa, follow the 7 P's to ensure success.

I'm going to say it... Winter isn't the time to have a hiatus. It is the calm before the storm, baby! While the whipping frosty winds may seem like nature's pause button, it's actually the perfect time to gear up for the blooming season that lies ahead of us! In this chilly interlude, we must turn our attention to the blueprint of our botanical masterpiece – Literally start creating a blueprint of what you want your spring garden to look like. From sketching out new additions to constructing planters, winter is my planning haven. Right now, Tyler and I are not just dreaming of the vibrant blooms; we're laying the groundwork, ensuring our garden-to-be stands on a solid foundation. I've got him so knee deep in garden projects that he is also counting the days until spring blooms, when his time in the garden has expired (HA). So, as Jack Frost starts nipping at your nose, be busy prepping, building, and cultivating the anticipation for a flourishing garden when the thaw finally arrives.

Easier said than done, right? Something that has been really keeping me inspired is Linda Vater's Garden Journal that I got for Christmas. It is life changing. This journal is more than just scribbling down your favorite plants, it keeps a 5 year record of your garden. From what worked to what didn't, this journal keeps track of all the woes and successes while also helping you prepare for the next season. It is full to the brim of tips. 10/10.

Another thing that has helped me stay motivated when my body is in shock from the frigid temps is following, listening, reading and watching people who inspire me. My perspective on social media has change drastically in the last 2-ish years. I don't want to get bogged down by what is on my phone, I want to get inspired. When people talk about social media being toxic I know they are not talking about my precious Pinterest or friend whom I've never met on Instagram that has taught me how to amend my soil!! Haha. I kid. I get it. It can be too much, for sure. But nothing is quite better than flipping on your favorite YouTube gardener on a Sunday as you clean house. I also said reading and watching for you that are on a social media cleanse! The amount of books I have compiled to cure my winter garden woes is just lovely and it helps me stay motivated! Again, don't let the fear of frost and winter days bog you down, stay busy and inspired with what you enjoy from the comfort of your warm house.

Remember that even in the coldest of seasons, joy and inspiration can still find their way in! The winter woes may linger, but so does the promise of a bountiful spring. Until then, revel in the planning, indulge in the building, and let the anticipation of the bloom warm your days! May your winter be filled with green dreams and the unwavering belief that every winter chilly chill brings us closer to the colorful canvas of a flourishing garden (eeek I can't wait). Here's to embracing the frosty follies! THIS TO SHALL PASS MY FRIENDS!

Until next time,

Madison

Photo creds: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/336151559665589120/