The red berries of the native Viburnum trilobum add color in the winter landscape and feed the birds. (C) Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
Be adventurous in 2011 by growing a new or unfamiliar flower or vegetable.
Edible gardens will continue to be popular, so stick a tomato plant, green beans or squash amongst the shrubs or perennials in a sunny location.
Stop beating yourself up when a plant dies. Sometimes, plants just die.
Test your soil every few years to learn the nutrient value, pH and other info needed to support healthy plants. A&L Great Lakes Laboratory in Fort Wayne, Ind., is the only soil-testing lab in Indiana. Purdue University tells you how: Collecting Soil Samples for Testing.
Walk the yard every week or so just to see what’s happening. When you do, you’ll spot early infestations of insects or diseases, giving you an advantage for treatment, if needed. You’ll see if animals have been munching on plants. You’ll also notice which plants languish and those doing extremely well. And, you’ll gain an appreciation of the landscape through all of its seasons, such as buds in spring or berries in winter.
Ignore the messages that tell you all bugs are bad. Many times, doing nothing allows Mother Nature to take care of bad bug problems with beneficial insects.
Save your money by identifying any landscape problems before treating them. An insecticide does nothing to cure a fungus disease or drought stress.
Help support beautification efforts. Donate to your favorite park or to an organization that promotes green spaces. Or, volunteer to clean up a neighborhood, creek side, riverbank or park.
Educate yourself about where your food and other products come from and the packaging. How far does it travel from field to plate? Is it treated with pesticides or retardants? Where was the product made and how was it shipped? Does it need to be encased in plastic?
Shop local, such as independent garden centers, farmers markets and other merchants.
