Hello Garden Friends!
Welcome to the Thistle - the Garden Edit - a place for thoughts on garden design, container gardens, and all things gardening
Welcome to the first issue of my garden newsletter!
Looking for helpful garden tips, in-depth container gardening guidance, garden design concepts, and more? Something more thoughtful than a quick Instagram caption? I hope this is the space and that you will join me here. I am not sure how often I’ll be posting and what form it will ultimately take, but if you have garden-related questions or ideas you’d like to hear about, please share them in the comments below.
Since I’m in New England and it is still cold and a bit wintery let’s start with 7 easy garden items to do right now before spring finally arrives. Keep reading below!
Are we all eager to get back to the garden? Count me in, but living in New England, I still have about a month to go before I can really get back outside. The ground is still soggy and frozen even if the calendar says it is March 2nd. Don’t rush out too early. Let the garden be if you are in a cold area. But there are still plenty of garden-related activities to do.
Here are seven things to do now:
Do you have a garden wish list for 2025? New plants? A garden shed? A few more or larger planters (you can never have too many!)? Make a list!
Go outside and look at your garden. Do you need more structure? Evergreens for winter interest? A new walkway? Larger flower beds? Winter is the perfect time to assess this when we aren’t distracted by flowers and pretty leaves.
Thinking of a new hardscape project? Reach out to contractors this week. By the time spring rolls around they are usually already booked.
Take a look at your garden from photos you took last year. I find looking at photos gives me the bit of distance I need to accurately assess the garden and remind myself of what it needs.
Think about which plants thrived. For me, it was our Hydrangeas Little Limes - so full of flowers and thriving. Then, ask yourself if there was something you did that helped them do so well and if you want to add more to the garden. I’m a fan of using masses of plants in a garden and repeating them.
Ask what plants were not happy. Is there something you can do differently this year? Compost? Irrigation? Fertilizer? Or should they be moved (more sun or more shade)? Or gifted to a friend? Sometimes, moving on can be the best solution. Remember you need the right plant in the right place. Either way - make a plan. I have a bunch of plants that ended up just being snacks for the neighborhood rabbits, so I’ll be thinking about more rabbit-resistant plants and rabbit strategies for 2025. If you have ideas on those, send them my way!
Lastly, go out and check your tools! Now is the perfect time to get out your garden tools and give them a good cleaning and sharpening. This is at the top of the list for me as my pruners need attention.
What else am I doing to get my garden fix? Caring for my houseplants, grabbing some cut flowers from the store, and reading, reading, and more reading of great garden books (let’s talk about that soon). Also, I’m knee-deep in garden designs for clients and planning for spring containers.
More importantly, what topics would you like to see here? Please let me know by leaving a comment below. Let’s talk gardening!
Susan
Substack is by far my preferred “social media,” so every so often I do a search on here for people writing about gardening in New England. Finally found one! I live on the NH Seacoast and winter is so looooong. This time of year I get very impatient knowing I still have a good two months before I can do much of anything outside. I spend a lot of time planning and reading and generally being envious of warmer climates. I have started sweet peas already, crossing fingers they survive to be transplanted outside.
Love your site. Looking forward to reading and learning from you. Love your containers