I always think of this month as one of the busiest. January is still in the middle of the winter gardening season. Moving self-seeded plants, shrubs and trees are all done during these next few weeks as well as all the pruning of apple, pear, gooseberry and currant trees.
Our sprawling and much talked about maze of Rosa Rugosa has finally been pruned down to waist level, which always surprises me in the spring with its rapid growth and perfectly formed new shoots and leaves.
The new beds have been completed in the glamping site, bordering our beautiful stone wall and bringing promises of blooming flowers and shrubs into the spring and summer.
The Shepherd's hut boasts a new lick of paint and an outdoor seating area has had a lovely make over for those who wish to watch the early rising and glorious winter sunsets from their cosy abode.
The veggie beds still need edging and further mucking. The rhubarb crowns have awoken from deep slumber and are already blushing a healthy pink in contrast with the rich dark soil. Broad beans have stretched out already a foot high and I shall be tucking them in soon in their prepped beds.
My seeds have arrived and there’s nothing like planning this season's crops. Crop rotation is a necessary practice to avoid pests, diseases and other disorders. It’s generally done over a three-year period and involves dividing the plot into three areas, each containing crops of a similar nature and then rotating their positions every year. Seeing the planning of a veg crop on paper has almost a cheery psychological effect on me and I’m already manifesting the taste of this season's produce.
January is a great month to practice observation, being present in the “here and now” when you’re working in the garden. Be aware of hibernating insects, larvae and soft furry creature’s dens, when pruning, moving debris or creating new beds.
Take the time to lean on your fork and rest a bit - following the flight paths of birds, the changing light through and on the trees, the heavy scent of the earth as you lift, sift or dig the soil. Awareness has so many benefits for the mind, body and soul.
The garden is calling. There are jobs to attend to, plans to make and customers to bring joy and peace to.
I wish you a peaceful, nourishing and creative January in the garden and kitchen.
Annie