Tips for Resolute Gardeners

Just got back from Reno, NV, where temps dipped to -2 degrees. In that high-altitude environment, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, there weren't many gardens to admire. The frozen landscape is brown and rocky, covered with patches of ice. But, I found the desert is a good place to think about my Sacramento Valley garden, about what I want to do when warm rain awakens my plants and spring bursts out. Here are some New Year's resolutions I'm making for my gardening based on thoughts from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension:

An excerpt from a National Garden Bureau (NGB) e-Newsletter written by Diana Blazek, Executive Director of National Garden Bureau 1. I will not blame myself for gardening failures. Oftentimes, Mother Nature is not our friend when it comes to gardening. Or life gets in the way. We do not want you to despair! Simply try again and learn from experience. Your garden, and your gardening friends, are both extremely forgiving. 2. I will not be afraid to ask questions. How else can you learn? Take advantage of the experience of your neighbor, your aunt, the garden center employee or the local extension agent. If they are like typical garden fanatics, they will appreciate your interest and be flattered that you want to learn from them. And learn you will! 3. I will try something new. This is kind of a no-brainer, right? Have you ever met a gardener who didn't want the newest of the new, for bragging rights if nothing else? But what about really new...like a new growing style or completely new crop of vegetables. Cruise around on Pinterest and we guarantee you'll find something irresistible that's out of your usual comfort zone. 4. I will share my passion. We've done and seen studies that show many of today's gardeners got their start by learning from someone else, usually a parent or grandparent. Can you be that mentor? Will you be the reason your son or daughter serves homegrown vegetables to your grandchildren? Can you be the reason your neighbor plants window boxes for the first time? 5. I will embrace nature and garden for the birds, the bees and the butterflies (and the bats too!). One of the most enjoyable benefits of having a garden is being able to enjoy the beautiful creatures who visit it. So plan your flowers and vegetables with that in mind then sit back and enjoy the show. Enjoy more gardening information from NGB at their website - www.ngb.org, Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/nationalgardenbureau, and their Pinterest boards - http://pinterest.com/nationalgarden/.