January 2025
The Garden Journal
January 2025
Greentree Home Candles are a welcome addition to any table, and we’ve used them at several events on site. The fluted pillars are amazing, and come in an array of colors, to be used over and over.
Evergreen Magnolia grandiflora varietals that can handle PNW temps, such as Teddy Bear and Little Gem, will be be both beautiful in the Winter Garden, as well as providing a bounty of cuts for your tables.
This Orchid and Fern planting from Martha Stewart Living, February 2007, has inspired me to start playing with plant combinations for indoors. I’m searching high and low for vessels that will work, and hoping this is something that will do well in our very own Garden Shop, as I love it so.
Pelargonium cuttings rooting in the Greenhouse, and providing cover for resident frogs. Jan ‘24
We are no strangers to construction, and lived with this opening for framing, and arrival of new windows and a door to complete the wall. Feb ‘24
Paris
If you are interested in any specific plants, please do reach out. I’ve not yet figured out how to easily do order forms with everything we grow, so it’s something I’m working on. In the meantime, if you know you want a plant, do reach out so that I can grow extra for you. Specific amounts and names are needed to avoid email cat and mouse. Rudbeckia varieties named above.
Shooting Stars photo credit: Univ. of Wisc Hort Ext.<
“Anyone who thinks that gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year; for gardening begins in January with the dream.”
Josephine Neuse.
Greentree Home Candles are a welcome addition to any table, and we’ve used them at several events on site. The fluted pillars are amazing, and come in an array of colors, to be used over and over.
Evergreen Magnolia grandiflora varietals that can handle PNW temps, such as Teddy Bear and Little Gem, will be be both beautiful in the Winter Garden, as well as providing a bounty of cuts for your tables.
This Orchid and Fern planting from Martha Stewart Living, February 2007, has inspired me to start playing with plant combinations for indoors. I’m searching high and low for vessels that will work, and hoping this is something that will do well in our very own Garden Shop, as I love it so.
January
As we embark on a New Year, deliciously ripe with possibilities, I wonder what this quarter century mark of the 21st Century will bring. As someone who has existed in both the 20th and 21st centuries, I think back to those who crossed the threshold of the 19th to the 20th, a time of great change. They saw massive civil unrest, which continued on into the 1900’s, and even sadly, continues today. The early 1900’s saw great technological and scientific advancements, and again, I think we are on the precipice of that even now. With GMO’s flooding our markets, and Artificial Intelligence, or AI, and what that potentially means, on everyone’s mind, one can only hope that we have leaders who exercise great caution, restraint and thoughtfulness as time moves forward. In any event, I continue to do my own writing and research, rather than relying on AI, as that is one area that is off limits in my world as long as I can stave it off.
Moving on, so as not to be a bit grim, the New Year is a time of wonder, freshness and dreaming, a fancy way of saying planning. Will we get snow, to blanket our world in a canvas of glistening white, cleansing our gardens and minds of the mud and grey for a bit, while we anxiously peruse our seed catalogs, gardening tomes and dream away of color and sunshine? I swore, when we had soaring temps this past summer, that I wouldn’t speak of the heat, but January/February is when I start longing for the sun again, and I can’t be alone in that. We’ve certainly had enough rain, so I worry not about the tulips, daffodils and other bulbs, which I am much looking forward to dotting our world with color in Spring.
It’s easy to get melancholy, or stir-crazy this time of year, so continue to carry on with your soul- and belly-filling meals around a candlelit dinner, and invite some friends over. It’s always a bit more lively, and gatherings needn’t be complicated. A few snips of your Galanthus and Hellebores from the Garden, maybe a couple wisps of something evergreen, and you’ve got a festive table without much effort, and hopefully, no cost.
I’m quite busy ordering plants, organizing plant orders (feeling like air traffic control a bit) and making necessary travel plans for some upcoming trips that are garden-focused to keep my own fires burning bright. I’m curious what your January looks like? Do you hunker down by the fire, with a good book in hand, and a cup of wine or tea? Are you binging any series that are worth sharing? Or like me, do you plan each day, around the weather, and what/how much you can get done in the Garden that day? Do you have any seasonal outings that bring you absolute joy? I’m hoping to bring in more in-spike and blooming Orchids, to Bridge the Gap, and keep me company in the Greenhouse, where I will start to spend vast quantities of time sowing seeds, and moving trays around. I always need a bit of beauty and joy where I work, and even though I find seeding to be a hopeful, even joyful task, it can get a bit mundane, and so bits of color and delight will carry me through. I’ve got the year planned out with a different plant or plant family to focus on each month in our newsletter, starting out with Cyclamen.
I will get anxious to see people again, and so don’t be surprised if you see little events or offerings pop up here and there. I’ve created an event around a fun paper wreath craft for February, so see below for info on that.
Steve and I would like to wish you a Happy New Year, and may the new year bring you peace, joy and happiness. Or, in honor of my recent foray into the series Outlander “Lang may yer Lum reek” which is a Hogmanay greeting that means “long may your fire burn” and is meant to impart good luck, good fortune, and good wishes.
In this Newsletter
- 2024: Year in Review
- Upcoming Zoom Lecture: TJ Maher
- Winter Planning
- Winter Pruning
- Winter Seeding
- Winter Weeding
- Plant of the Month
- Articles of Interest
- Garden Walks with Amy
- February Event: Wreath
- Book Love
- The Garden Shop
- January Garden Tasks
2024: The Year in Review
Pelargonium cuttings rooting in the Greenhouse, and providing cover for resident frogs. Jan ‘24
Take a walk down Memory Lane with me, as I go through our year in photos and reminisce on this past year at Laughing Goat.
January
A busy time in the Greenhouse, of propagating, seeding, tending to our collection of tropical plants, including orchids; taking photos of inventory to use in our marketing and outreach, as well as updating our website, followed by a cat emergency that took over virtually everything.
February
Sharing our love or Orchids through some Orchid workshops, and the updates to our Garden Shop with the improvements to the Potting Shed. From removing the garage door to pouring concrete to level out the floor, this was a massive project that took months to complete, but gave us a much needed facelift in the way of aesthetics, and more space. I love this room now, and can’t wait to start using it more for workshops and private events. We attended the Northwest Flower and Garden Show early, on the Press Tour with friend Marianne Binetti, before leaving for a winter getaway to Maui.
Newly Planted Beech Trees
March
Back home, and getting right into Spring mode. I can see my focus on new recipes, and continuing to cook more from scratch, at home, so that we rely on eating out less. We lean heavily into prep for the Planting project, which is foreshadowing for what the rest of the season will focus on…
Top photo is a snapshot I took of the master garden plan. I use these to systematically go through each section, and create both a list of plants needed, for ordering, as well as plant tags, that will actually mark out each section as we draw marker lines and place a flag and tag. Then I painstakingly go through each list, and order as many plants, and we will plant much like a paint by number project.
March also saw the planting of 4 mature, large Beech trees as the entry to our Gardens, and while bare when set in, the impact of their presence was immediately felt and appreciated. Each change we make to the Gardens helps us realize and see the vision more clearly, and is a stepping stone to creating a special space.
Lastly, in March, we added to our little family, and introduced Bailey (aka Bailey Bear or Bailey Boy) to our pack and our Garden. We can’t imagine our lives without this bundle of absolute joy and happiness, and while I thought we were crazy for adding another dog at the time, neither one of us is sorry that we did.
Bailey
April
Early Spring was all about flowering trees, and puppy bonding time, Greenhouse seeding and caring for baby plants and doing as much as we could possibly get done before we headed out at the end of month to France. Such a hard time to leave with Cherry Trees, Tree Peonies, and even early Bearded Iris in bloom, but such is the way of life. The entire trip I was in a dither about whether we’d miss the Peony Bloom of 2024.
There are simply too many beautiful memories, moments and photos of our trip to Avignon and Paris to share here; perhaps I will do a Travel blog to share what was so special, and what we saw.
Paris
Avignon
May
Of course, May is one of the most beautiful months of the year, and will go in the blink of an eye as you try to breathe in every single moment.
For us, early May had us in Paris with friends, and a wonderful time had by all, with Gardens, Museums, Shopping, Walking, Sightseeing, and loving our time away. It was quite interesting seeing the city prepare for the upcoming Summer Olympics, and while we were all happy to be missing what promised to be a crowded time, the sprucing of the Gardens, street corners, and the setting up of stadium seating all over had us remarking on the tremendous effort a city goes through in order to host.
Back home, it was back to reality, with puppies needing attention and a return to a routine, tomato jungle in the Greenhouse, and the sense of urgency that always hits me in May, as I was trying to catch up to do so many things I didn’t get to before we left. Plant orders arriving in earnest, including our order of mature, large Wisteria, that needed to be uncrated, and planted along the Arbor walkway.
I needed to sort out the Peony events, but first, the dazzling display of Iris, Roses, and everything else had me quite distracted. Who has time to Garden when there are Roses to admire? The Rose Show was fantastic this Spring, and yet, more plants are arriving what felt like daily, and needing to be planted, stat.
A brief break from planting to take a day trip to Port Townsend, to visit Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy, and May is over.
June
The Peonies have arrived. On schedule, I supposed, yet it seems the last 2 years they’ve arrived slightly later than in the past. A new normal? I’m loathe to call anything “normal” now in the world of Gardening, as we are at the mercy of Mother Nature, and her whims.
Come they did, and just in time for our first installment of the Floral Club, a series of 4 gatherings I offered early in the Year, and sold out to 24 lovely humans I had the pleasure of spending 1 Saturday a month with, June - September.
3 weekends of events, and being open to the public, was a brief break from planting duties, and also supported my decision to step back from hosting more events in 2024, so that we could focus our efforts and energy (time) to building our Gardens. With a team of 2-3, we don’t have the luxury of having a built-in Horticulture crew that tends the Gardens while we open the Gardens, alas. I’m a practical dreamer, an odd combo, but I put my foot down here so we could focus on the Garden.
I stole a bit of time here and there to do some local Garden tours and events, but really, the majority of the time was in our own Garden, and admittedly, at ground level. Placing stakes, flags, plants, and finally, planting. By this point, having everything planted by late Spring/early Summer was looking a bit of a pipe dream, and we resigned to doing whatever it would take to carry on. Each plant placed in the ground, nurtured, more importantly, growing, blooming, spurred us on through weary backs, shoulders, necks, knees and feet to continue this effort.
July
Early July was chock full of blooms, with Roses still going strong, Highlander Delphiniums showing off, Dianthus and Alstroemeria teaching me to love the old-fashioned ones, and even Dahlias opening up. It’s absolute bliss to be in the Garden daily, and it’s hard to tear my eyes and attention away from something new and exciting every day.
The planting must go on. And now, the watering. This grueling reminder of the changing of our climate patterns has never been felt so keenly, as these past few seasons as a Grower, Gardener, and caretaker of this property and the plants. Having to ever earlier manage watering needs, particularly when setting in new plants, has me worrying over how much water we use. I’m endlessly looking up plants to see that we are choosing water-conscious and drought-tolerant (for the most part, yes) and that we are mindful about how and when we water, to make sure there is little to no waste. Water is on my mind daily. The heat is unbearable, and it’s only early July.
Floral Club meets outside, under the covered deck, and it’s nice, again, to meet, and take pause from the relentless watering, planting, and weeding that has become a bit of drudgery by this point. Thankfully, tomatoes arrive like clockwork, and become a staple on our lunch and dinner plates, which makes sorting out what we eat a bit easier when the Garden provides. It also is a reminder that all the prep work in the Greenhouse, in the fields, to grow and manage these plants, has a happy ending. Amidst the chaos of summer, lies a beacon of hope: another chance to escape, and join a garden tour! The Fling was something that fell mid- to end-July, and had me visiting Gardens all over Vashon Island, and Seattle private gardens. Such a treat. I missed the 2 days in the middle for a private retreat-like event at Laughing Goat held by dear friend and florist, Teressa Johnson, of which I got to attend. Getting to work with, and be surrounded by, this group of women entrepreneurs was such a cup-overflowing experience, I wish for you all to have the opportunity to join us in the future.
The Gardens are full, and abundant, and I can barely keep on top of it all. July-August always feels like this, like everything is sort of slipping away from my fingers, and I’m grabbing and trying to hold on to as much as I can, and always, it’s too much. But it’s so beautiful, and I’ve also learned to let things go. The Garden continues to Teach.
August
Do you know, we are still planting. I often hear the voice of Dory in Finding Nemo saying “Just Keep Swimming” as I load, unload, unbox, water in, move to the shade, move to the planting spot, place, plant, water again, all the new plants. Now we are managing plants in pots, that need to be planted, and plants in the ground, also needing watering. Steve is a genius, and moves all of our crates off the blacktop in front of the barn, where we unbox them near the hose, to under the Fir tree, where they will be in partial shade, and hopefully give them a chance to survive in this heat until we can get them in the ground. He asks me “how many plants do you suppose we’ve planted by now” and while I can’t tell you the exact number, we did the math, and it was close to, if not a thousand plants. And still more to plant…
When I’m not in the Garden, watering, placing, planting, watering again, I’m taking water breaks in the house and updating spreadsheets, order forms, making calls to vendors and trying to wrap my head around what needs to happen. It was a bit dizzying, and frankly, the heat wasn’t helping.
Lucy arrives! Her much anticipated visit to work on the next phase of the Gardens arrives when I’m feeling a bit of a hot mess. Emphasis on the hot. She’s like a balm to the soul, and while she settles in to our time difference, I suggest a Garden waft, to get the lay of the land, and take cuttings of things so that she can play with flowers. I think this is grounding for her, and I love seeing what Floral Artists choose to work with. The Garden is like a palette, and there are ever-changing opportunities.
We spend the week, walking and talking Gardens, visiting friends and nurseries, and enjoying our time together. I regret not having the opportunity to share her, via some time of workshop, etc., but finding catering for such events, a necessity for the time involved, has become excessively difficult and costly, and is something I need to find a solution to. Adding that to the to-do list.
However, Steve and I are starting to see the Gardens we started planting earlier this year, fill in. That same area I shared for May, up above, where the bench is surrounded by dry, empty beds? This is that same area, only 3 months later. A true testament to what a difference plants can make to a space.
In other news, I’m completely in love with my Cabbage heads, the only other edible crop I managed to get in the Gardens this year aside from Tomatoes, and while I miss so many things we typically have, I’m spending a lot of time looking at and enjoying cabbage heads and Tomatoes.
September
I’m so ready for Fall. While I know there will come a time (it’s soon, but not quite yet. I am resting still.) when I have an urgent need to see more Green and Color again, I’m ready for the slowing down of the Gardens, the work, and, fingers crossed, the Watering.
We are still Planting. And Watering. But now, I am also Harvesting, and Processing, and Gathering Seeds, and making lists. What are my lists? Things that need to get done. Plants to order. Plants to plant. Where things go. Areas to manage. Seeds to gather, and package up. Shop things to manage/order/organize. We have our final Floral Club gathering this month, and while I know I will miss these beautiful souls that have supported us, and been with us through this season of change. I am also ready to take a deep breath, and let the Garden go.
The Dahlias are really blooming their heads off. September is truly their month to shine, I think, like no other. The colors of the Garden are in a way muted, and yet, more saturated, as everything sort of matures, the last hurrah before the Big Sleep. I find myself just wanting to wander, and remember in my mind’s eye, the beauty. The camera helps me truly remember.
I’m both in awe of what we have accomplished, and yet know there is much to be done still. The beauty of the Gardens is off the charts, and I constantly wish there were others around to enjoy it with me. As the days slightly cool, it’s so much more pleasant to be in this space, and we walk around much, and point out things to each other. I love hearing what Steve notices, as it’s often different from what draws my own eye. I think we help see the Garden more thoroughly in this way, and it makes me appreciate it more.
I’m pleased to take note that a management strategy we put into practice this season, to see if we could better manage the grasses and pathways, is working, and I like the results thus far. Little victories are so important in this work. We’ve had some defeating losses this year, so anything on the positive side is a mental win.
We steal away to Leavenworth for a short away, and I’m also patting myself on the back for planning these forced trips, as the break from the work is always appreciated.
We host a small dinner party for friends, and I swear, this is the most magical time of the day in the Gardens. The way the light hits everything. It’s so beautiful it takes my breath away. Again, gentle reminders to take time to slow down, to share, to appreciate the work, and to have these moments where we ourselves stop and reflect continues to spur me on through the difficult times. Fall is coming, and soon, the Garden will be bleak, while it sleeps.
October
What a beautiful entry to Fall. Truly great weather, no frosts, which kept everything looking terrific, and the Fall tasks not at all terrible with these kind of days, sunshine and slightly cooler, more manageable weather.
Steve starts the Pond Project, where he is taking the old metal barn roof, and weatherizing it to be exposed to water and soil, and then creating beautiful planting areas for me around the pond.
Bulbs are arriving, and with them, a major planting project. Here we go again.
All at the same time, I’m tagging and labeling Dahlias, and working hard to get organized, so that I can make the Spring job of planting much easier on myself. The leaves are changing. The days get shorter, the nights longer. It’s a matter of perspective, yet Roses are still blooming, and practically beg one to stop, and admire them. Of which I’m more than happy to oblige.
Yet again, I’ve decided we need a break. It must seem we travel quite a bit, but these were small trips, and really, we had that 2 year break of not going anywhere, so maybe just making up for lost time?
We arrive to Napa. It is so beautiful, and I can feel the weight of Spring and Summer lift, as we take in an area that is stunning, and cared so lovingly for by others, that we simply get to enjoy being here, and that is really, really nice. As I’m prone to doing, I have filled our time with restaurant reservations, winery visits and tastings, shopping excursions, and time spent together doing everything and nothing.
November
We arrive back to Fall. Leaves have fully changed. Frost is slowly creeping in bit by bit, to different parts of the Garden. Some areas are resistant, and I take note of what gets hit first, vs. last.
I’m fully nesting at this point, having firmly made the decision to donate gently, or barely, or in some case, Brand new never used, items in our Home and Shop to various charities. I feel the weight of time in a way I never have before, and want to unburden myself of things I don’t need, or want. Clutter. Life is full. We have our Garden projects to carry us through the days, and home projects in the evenings. I keep my mind active with cooking projects, group activities, friends, outings. Reading, and catching up on a few series I wanted to watch. It’s a good balance, and I’m ready for life to be about more than just Gardening, all the day long. I’m fully ready for this break.
Steve and I have the dogs enrolled in various Obedience and Dog Training courses. Something completely different, and yet, we like the structure of an instructor-led course. It keeps us accountable, it is interesting, and gives us something to do with the dogs, to work on strengthening our relationship and ability to work with them. We appreciate their little victories. This has nothing to do with Gardening, and yet, I think there’s a through-line with all we do, whether it’s our projects in the Gardens, at home, with the dogs, or even just our interest in bettering ourselves. We like to be busy, and we are trying to grab everything we can from this beautiful life we’ve been given.
The Gardens continue to amaze me with their Growth, their Resilience, and I learn something new every day I spend time amongst the Plants. I cherish this time, in solitude, and start to crave a little time, if I’ve missed a day or two. The season starts to fill busy, and I split my time between outside and inside projects, and yet, the Garden always pulls me, like a Siren song.
December
December has been a flurry of activity, in all the best ways. As far as the Gardens go, I continue to weed, to plant, to do clean-up, as I do every year. There is comfort in the routine of things, and that is always interlaced with the busy-ness of the Season, and this was no different.
With several events we ourselves hosted over the Holidays, and many more gatherings to attend, not to mention get-togethers with dear friends, it has been a busy time. I’m looking forward to the inevitable quiet and lull of January, and as I write this, the day after Christmas, I also gently remind myself “it always goes faster than you realize or think it will” and so, on whatever day you choose to open this, to read this: Thank you. Thank you for being here, for being a part of this. Please know we are grateful to be a part of your world, and you a part of ours. We hope your Holidays were a festive, and restful time. Both can, and should, be true. Please take the time to appreciate the moment and the season you are in, and relish in all the things, even the tiny stuff that seems insignificant at the time.
Slow Down. Take Pictures. Spend Time with those you Love. Share. Spread Love, and Kindness, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025.
Upcoming Zoom Lecture
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP!!!
TJ Maher, author of the newly released Grounded in the Garden, is our upcoming Winter Guest Speaker. This book is “An Artist’s Guide to Creating a Beautiful Garden in Harmony with Nature” and I simply cannot wait to hear him speak to us about creating gardens using color, texture and plants as palette. TJ is an Artist, Author, Gardener, and Dreamer.
This book is visually stunning, full of terrific photos, plant identification, and ideas for your own Gardens. My hope is that you will be inspired, and take away ideas and plans for creating your own gardens during this planning phase of the year.
TJ’s visual presentation will be one hour long, with time for questions and answers after. Zoom webinar will be on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 9:00am PST, as there is a time difference with TJ being in Ireland.
This will be our first time hosting a Zoom chat with a Visiting Artist & Gardener, and I hope this is well received so we can continue to pursue this as an option for our Guests that are unable to travel overseas to hear talks in person.
Ticket Information
Winter Planning
The Big Stuff
My to-do list feels exhaustive sometimes. As soon as I check off a few things, and smugly pat myself on the back, 5 more things get added, just like that. Steve and I are in the process of procuring a very large shipment of Yew trees, to add some borders around the property, and to commence the first phase of the English Garden Update. It’s the best time of year for planting, and we like to to get them when are in bare root, which both saves on cost (slightly) and makes them easier to transport and plant. Not to mention we don’t have to deal with all those pesky plastic pots.
He also wants to add to the existing Arborvitae border along our property line to the North, near the parking lot. Yes, that means the Eucalyptus is finally going away. I do think Steve wants to try and save a few of the nicer looking trees that are in good shape, and move them to a wetter part of the property. Historically, Eucalyptus have been used to help keep wetter areas from being too saturated. I’m not sure they’ll survive that corner of the property with the wind exposure, but we’ll see. Everything is an adventure.
Aside from the continued Garden building, and updates, we are doing a massive remodel of our Potager (aka Raised Bed Garden) between the Barn and the Greenhouse, and will be updating and refreshing our parking area for guests. We are not able to do asphalt, as an agriculture area, we have to maintain as much permeable surface as possible, but we do want to keep our parking areas safe and presentable for everyone who visits.
It’s really fun for us to hear our visitors tell us what they notice is new, as often we don’t appreciate the updates, being in the thick of it all the time. This isn’t a cry for you to pat us on the back, maybe just a wink in your direction for noticing the changes. I love that you get invested and interested in this property we are caretaking, as I think of it belonging to more than just us.
My calendar tells me when I need to sow seed, and whether it gets started indoors in the Greenhouse, or sown directly into the soil. A weekly tracker helps ensure I don’t miss anything, and this is a system that has helped me personally manage hundreds of varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers over thousands of plants that make it into the ground every year.
However you plan, and whatever system you use, make sure you have one set in place that works for you, as in, you will follow it, and it keeps you on track. My system works for me, but may not be right for others. The internet offers a wealth of options to get you started if you need something visual, and then tweak it to work for your Garden. The most important thing is to have a plan, and follow that plan, even if it’s not perfect.
Winter Pruning
According to research, excessive smartphone usage can lead to a decrease in hand grip strength, with studies showing a negative correlation between prolonged phone use and both hand grip and pinch grip strength; essentially, the more time spent on your phone, the weaker your grip may become. Poor posture can develop from playing video games, even after just a few minutes.
Do you know what the antidote to modern day life is? That’s right. It’s Gardening. And hand washing dishes, apparently, more on that later. In any case, as I dust off, sharpen and clean my Pruners for another round of Winter Pruning, I think often how the simple act of opening and closing shears may someday in the distant future be rendered obsolete, especially if the robots take over all the mundane chores. Hmph.
So, I continue to be defiant in the face of modern technology, and I prune my trees, and shrubs, as January is a great time to tackle this. I actually start in November, as we have a fairly large Garden, but January is a good benchmark for this task. I love Pruning, it’s one of my favorite things to do. It’s so meditative, quiet and a time to reflect, and just focus on the task at hand while the world quite literally melts away.
Here are a couple important reminders for Pruning your Plants.
✂️Always use sharp, clean shears. Bring a disinfectant to dip your snips into in between plants as a precaution.
✂️Use the appropriate size tool for the cut you are making. I carry loppers, about 4 sizes of pruners, and a hand saw with me on every Pruning job. Trying to make a cut with the wrong size blade can do more damage than good. This is not the time to be a minimalist.
✂️Only cut what needs to go. You don’t have to Prune, just to say you did it. I cannot hammer this one home enough. What gets pruned? Only the parts of the plant that are Dead, Diseased, or Dying. Once you have managed that, you should prune out branches that are crossing to avoid further damage, and create the shape you want.
✂️Never cut more than 1/3 of a plant off in any given season. This means if you do a robust cut on a tree, you should leave it alone until the next winter. We will actually exercise extreme caution, and not cut for a few years after a hard prune, unless absolutely necessary. You can remove too much of plants, and cause either set-back or death if you go too hard. The exception seems to be roses, as they can handle excessive pruning events, and the rule of 1/3 doesn’t actually apply to them.
✂️Dispose of anything damaged by disease, virus, bacteria or pests in the trash, rather than your compost, to avoid spreading that to other plants. Nasties love to overwinter in places with debris (aka food and habitat) only to rise again when the conditions are right.
Winter Seeding
If you are interested in any specific plants, please do reach out. I’ve not yet figured out how to easily do order forms with everything we grow, so it’s something I’m working on. In the meantime, if you know you want a plant, do reach out so that I can grow extra for you. Specific amounts and names are needed to avoid email cat and mouse. Rudbeckia varieties named above.
Seeds I’m excited to Grow this Season
One of my favorite times of year is Winter - Spring sowing of seeds in my Greenhouse. It’s such a magical time to be enveloped in the warmth of our greenhouse, quietly packing cell trays and carefully placing each seed with intention and well-wishes. I dream of where each plant will land, and how I will use the gifts of the season. I think of who will enjoy our extra plants in their own gardens, as I transplant each seedling into it’s own pot. I am often surprised by what plants people are looking for from us, and what they aren’t interested in that I would think they want. Plants have not been big sellers for us, which I always think is interesting. Many of you must be sowing your own seeds by this point, so good on you for that! We aren’t currently focused on ramping up our plant offerings, owing to interest and space, so if there is something you can’t live without, please do reach out. I’ve decided to take a break from doing big plant orders grown by us, as we have so many other things going on.
Here are a few seeds I’m looking forward to starting, for plants I’m excited to grow in 2025:
Nicandra, a flower in the Solanaceae family, this one will yield beautiful seed pods to dry and use in crafting, wreaths, etc.
Echinacea and Rudbeckia, kissing cousins of the Aster family, these favorites of bees, butterflies and just about everyone who visits, deserve more play time in the Gardens, beyond just our Cutting Garden.
Eggplant, another favorite that I took a year off from due to space, but the plants are so beautiful, I missed seeing them in 2024.
Pumpkins, grown before, but huge space hogs, I’m looking forward to adding them back in.
Vines, including favorites Love in a Puff, and Cup & Saucer Vine
Coleus, which we discovered is so easy to start from seed, and you get some incredible varieties not always seen at the nursery. Related to Basil, it’s a no brainer for saving money on this stunning container filler.
Gloriosa Lily, while not a seed, per se, is a tuber I’m ordering. This tender perennial climbing vine does not lend to my typical favorite color palettes, but the flower is so striking. After a friend traded me a stunning floral arrangement for some pruning help, I fell in love, and have to have them in our Garden.
Hilda Romano pole beans. We grew them 2022-23, but due to our Potager being torn apart for projects, I didn’t get to them in 2024, and I truly missed these wavy, giant, tender beans. I love going out and picking a handful, or more, for dinner, and putting them on our dinner table. Never seen in a grocery store, they are the true definition of a seed to table vegetable that only exists if you grow it yourself, or know a farmer/grower that does. Incredibly easy to grow from seed, as a pole bean they do require something to climb and grab, but they are very low maintenance, and will provide you with a full season of good eating if you stay on top of harvesting them.
Winter Weeding
I do like to stay on top of weeding in the winter months, as it makes the Spring tasks easier to manage if I don’t have to do a big clean-up effort first.
Weeds that can take over the Garden at this time of year, whether you like it or not:
Chickweed varieties (Stellaria media) this winter annual prefers moist sites, thrives in gardens, mulch beds, and shade areas of lawns.
Clover - nothing stops it’s spread
Dandelion - setting in deep roots in winter, pull them before they take a major hold
Hairy bittercross, or shotweed (Cardamine hirsuta) will germinate in Fall and seeds and flowers in Spring, but can have repeat visits to the Garden and spreads much seed, so you are well-advised to remove it when you find it.
Red deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) emerges in the fall, but will flower and go to seed set in early Spring.
Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) broadleaf winter weed with pinkish-white flowers atop a basal rosette of leaves.
Plant of the Month
Cyclamen
I don’t usually pay much attention to annuals, beyond what we ourself grow from seed. I’m talking wax Begonias in summer, and Cyclamen persicum in winter, etc. As the latter’s name would suggest, C. persicum is native to the Mediterranean, and thus a tender perennial. For us, that means Zones 9-10, and while it will handle temps down to about 25º, will not survive prolonged periods below that.
Why is the nursery industry so enamored with plants that won’t survive past one single season, or even a month? That might be a topic to discuss another day, but never fear, Hardy Cyclamen are a thing!
A quick Google search yielded hardy fall blooming cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) tubers for sale, in Fall. These bloom September - November. Another member of the ivy-leaved cyclamen is Cyclamen Neapolitanum Album, which blooms Fall to early Winter in a stunning white flower that looks like a butterfly, with a bi-color leaf.
As members of the Primula family, which include Primrose, and a North American native, Shooting stars (Dodecatheon meadia) which are a group of herbaceous perennials that bloom in Spring, and somewhat resemble Cyclamen. This is not totally uncommon in the plant world, as plants are classified based on vascular tissue, seeds and flowers. Take a close look at the flowers of your backyard Blueberry, and compare to a Pieris japonica or an Arbutus unedo sometime and you will see exactly how this nomenclature game works.
Next time you’re at the nursery, or even the grocery store, take a look at the Cyclamen. While the colors may be enticing, look at the label. If it has none, chances are it’s C. persicum. If, like me, you want something with a bit more stamina, look for the following plants:
🌱Cyclamen cilicium
🌱Cyclamen hederifolium
🌱Cyclamen purpurascens
Some interesting facts about hardy Cyclamen:
Cyclamen will naturalize over time, and spread.
Cyclamen spread by seed, and by dividing tubers.
Cyclamen seed is dispersed primarily by ants, who can’t resist the sticky, sweet seed and will go to great lengths to move them about, but also other insects, birds and small mammals can spread seed.
Grow in lawns, in shady spots where grass doesn’t thrive, and the cyclamen will naturalize.
Cyclamen thrive in garden spots where larger plants don’t, and can even be planted under shrubs and trees for longer interest. Try under your Hydrangeas!
Articles of Interest
Garden Walks with Amy
Starting in May, and going through September, October TBD*, I will lead a one-hour Garden Walk through our property, highlighting what is in bloom, about to bloom, and include any projects, and jobs in the works. This will be a great opportunity to have one-on-one time in a tangible, and beautiful setting, to ask Gardening questions in person, get plant names (make sure you write them down!) and pick Amy’s brain.
While the Garden Walk itself is limited to 1-hour, you may spend additional time in the Gardens at your leisure after the Walk is over, with the exception of any Garden sections that may be closed for projects and plant protection.
I prefer to keep groups like this on the smaller size, so that everyone feels included, and it’s easier to hear and stay together, to get as much out of our time together. With that in mind, when you sign-up, your fee is non-refundable as that enrollment is holding your space. You may transfer your spot in the event you are unable to make it, but we do not issue refunds for our events. In the event we have to cancel for unforeseen reasons, we will issue refunds or offer another, equally valuable opportunity. Garden walks will be held regardless of weather, so attendees should dress appropriately for being outside, rain or shine.
February Event: Paper Wreath
I’m in Love with the idea of celebrating Love in all forms, whether it’s self-love (go you) friendship love, and even romantic love, let’s model love, no matter how it shows up in your world. The more I learn about the world flower market, and how it shows up to play in February for the biggest floral day of the year, the more I want to create movements that are an antidote to that. To learn more, check out Amy Stewart’s Flower Confidential, an eye-opening exposé on the flower industry at large.
What better way to herald in February than a crafting day in our remodeled Potting Shed? I’m hosting a gathering, where you will join me to make a paper-crafted wreath that you then take home to use in your home. The bonus? It will never die, and if stored thoughtfully, can last you for as many seasons as you can stand it. Whether you hang from a door, a mirror, propped against a wall, or even laid flat on a table, this sweet paper wreath
This gathering will take place on Saturday, February 1st, at 10:00am. I will provide all supplies needed, you just show up, ready to craft. I will also provide scissors to use for the duration of the class, but not to take home. If you have special paper-cutting scissors you prefer to use, please bring them along. Class is limited to 10 guests.
I’m planning on making a special treat to share, and providing both coffee and tea to have available. Bring your own reusable water bottle if you’d like to have that available.
Enrollment will include:
Paper supplies for making your wreath
Glue
Scissors to use (not to keep)
Valentine-inspired Treat
Coffee/Tea
Instructions
Book Love
I’d love to hear what everyone is reading/loving. Did you get any new books for Christmas you simply can’t put down? Is there something you’ve been dying to cut your teeth on and haven’t opened yet? Is there a book, that was so good, you were actually a bit sad when you finished reading it, because it was over?
How many of you are on Goodreads? I use this app to hold a list of books I’d love to read, and then to keep track of what I have read. It’s fun to set a Reading Challenge each year, and see if I can meet my goals.
Connecting with other Readers, and Authors, is a great way to find out about books you may not have ever heard about, and I love having a little virtual Book Club to see what everyone is reading.
The Garden Shop
Upcoming Garden Shop Dates/Hours
The Garden Shop is still Closed for the Season - we will reopen again in the Spring, when we have Tulips and other Blooms available. At this time, our scheduled opening will be Saturday, April 5th. We will open the Garden Shop from 10am - 2pm, and plan to open each Saturday in April, and the first 2 Saturday’s in May, the same hours. We will be closed the last 2 weeks of May for personal matters, and will reopen again end of May - June for our annual Peony Events. We will open the Shop after our Wreath making class on February 1st, for those who want to swing by, from 12-2.
As always, our online Shop is year-round, so if you are looking for the perfect Host/Hostess Gift, Holiday gifts, or just something for yourself, please check out our online Shop:
January Garden Tasks
- Put your new-year enthusiasm to good use by cleaning pots, tools, water buckets and greenhouses in preparation for spring. It’s not the most glamorous of tasks, but it will set you up for a great growing season.
- Start planning what you want to do with your garden in the months to come. Now is the time to order seeds and plants from the comfort of your armchair.
- Continue looking after wildlife — put out wild birdfood for hungry birds and continue to leave some areas of your garden uncut for shelter until the spring.
- Prune your wisteria by cutting back whippy summer growth, leaving only 2 or 3 buds.
- If your honeysuckle is very overgrown, now is the best time to prune and cut back hard to encourage healthy, new growth this spring.
- Tidy up perennials. Cut down the old stems of perennial plants like sedum - be careful of any new growth.
- Remove old hellebore leaves to expose the new blooms as they emerge this spring.
- Cut back willow trees. Remove any damaged or diseased stems. Take out the oldest stems of brightly coloured willows, and thin out any overcrowding.
- Remove any faded flowers from your winter pansies to stop them setting seed.
- Keep harvesting your parsnips and leeks as you need them.
- Remove yellowing leaves from winter brassicas - they don’t help the plant and can even harbour pests and diseases.
- Prepare the ground for early peas. Place a cloche over the soil this month, to warm up the ground a few weeks before sowing.
- Prune apple and pear trees if you haven't done so already. It’s best done during the winter while the plants are still dormant. Aim to create an open frame of branches in a goblet shape.
- Prune your currant plants and gooseberries now to maintain a productive framework of healthy branches.
- Force rhubarb plants by placing an upturned bucket or bin over the crown. The tender pink stems will be ready in about 8 weeks time.
- Order fruit bushes, such as currants and raspberries, now to plant in a prepared bed in a sheltered position; they will be a lot tastier than supermarket produce!
- Avoid walking on your lawn whenever it is blanketed by heavy frost or snow, as this will damage the grass beneath.
- Check your climbers and climbing shrubs are securely attached to their supports with ties.
- Remove any lurking weeds, roots and all, from your beds and borders.
- Shred your Christmas tree and add it to your compost bins. Alternatively, the stripped down branches make great pea sticks.
- Remove slimy patches from patios and paving by scrubbing with a broom or blast with a pressure washer.
- Plant amaryllis bulbs in pots now, for spectacular indoor flowers in early spring.
- Inspect fruits and vegetables in storage and remove any that are diseased or soft to the touch.
- Check dahlia tubers in storage and remove any that are showing signs of rotting.
- Hydrate houseplants. Central heating can dry the air in your home and cause damage to indoor plants. Mist house plants regularly and stand them on a tray of pebbles filled with water to increase humidity.
- Plan your vegetable plot. Consider good crop rotation to prevent pests and diseases building up in the soil.
- Order spring-planting bulbs and tubers. Think about dedicating a bed to perennial vegetables such as asparagus, rhubarb and artichokes.
- Order fruit trees now for early spring planting.
- Order climbing perennials like clematis for early spring planting.
- Plan your bedding now in preparation for ordering garden ready plants, like begonias and fuchsias, for planting at the beginning of spring.
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Grounded in the Garden Webinar: January 4
- National Bird Day: January 5
- National Houseplant Appreciation Day: January 10
- Past Newsletter Access Here: Laughing Goat Garden Journal