What a luxury for this lazy gardener last weekend: I sat by the window and watched the wind blow snow into mini hurricanes. There was nothing to do outside. If it’s cold, think about the future and stay cozy.
As you lounge indoors, consider new trees and shrubs that might suit your property better. Are you enjoying birds at your feeders? Add more fruiting native plants or more evergreens that provide birds with shelter year round. Our mature rhododendron offers shelter just outside our window and makes it easy to watch the birds.
The cold outside gives me permission to stare out the window and observe. Have you noticed rhododendron leaves contracting when temperatures drop below 20 degrees? The plants are not wilting from lack of water. The reaction is called “thermotropism.” Drooping and curling leaves are thought to prevent winter dehydration—so no worries! Notice the change and appreciate that your rhododendrons act like a thermometer and remind you to wear an extra layer. The leaves will return to their usual shape when temperatures get closer to 30 degrees.
With every wintry forecast, do you get the deepest snow in your neighborhood? The conical shape of conifers allow them to shed snow more easily, and they are less likely to be damaged by a heavy snowfall. Add plants to your landscape that belong in your environment.
As you sit by your window, you could think about next summer’s vegetable garden. I will rotate veggie crop locations and keep insect pests confused by moving their targets. In 2026, I am in year five of my six-year rotation. For example, tomatoes will be planted in a fifth new spot from where they were in 2021! By having a planned rotation of crops, you confuse pests and also manage the soil nutrients. Equalize the garden playing field and rotate your crops!
In addition to crop rotation, I always purchase a mix of tomato varieties. Tomatoes are my favorite garden crop. Because we consume so much, tomatoes need to be available as long as possible. I plant small, prolific cherry tomatoes; heirloom tomatoes; paste tomatoes; and hybrid, disease-resistant tomatoes. By having a range of high-value characteristics, I avoid complete crop failure and hedge my bets against pests, drought, or other setbacks. Order your seeds or plan your purchases accordingly.
I check in on houseplants ensuring that everyone has enough water and appropriate light. I have basil that survives but is not growing. I think the room is too cold. I have bromeliads, the tropical plants with hollow centers to collect water from your watering can. They do not mind a cool room and only need water every few weeks. I love low-maintenance houseplants.
I pause in delight at my strappy-leaved amaryllis bulbs. I thought flowers were out of the question when leaves appeared before a flower stem—but now I have plump buds emerging! What joy more daylight brings! Amaryllis bulbs seem to have a schedule all their own. They are truly a lesson in patience.
Enough dreaming and lounging. Check the weather—it was cold, but a January thaw is on the way. Move salty snow that was deposited by snowplows or shovels away from trees and shrubs. The snow melt will be saltwater and damage the roots.
If you are lucky enough to have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, clean out the ashes on a warmer day. Once fully cool, scatter wood ash lightly over all your garden beds, even over snow. The potash has valuable minerals for your garden. The snow melt and rains will carry the vital potassium, calcium, and phosphorus into the soil where it becomes available to plant roots.
I have mentioned it recently, but now I have to act. Get out and spray those repellents on your plants susceptible to deer and rabbit browsing! I woke up on Tuesday and saw deer tracks all over my yard. They were very interested in nosing under the straw for the strawberry leaves. They will eat anything green and especially like swelling flower buds. With warmer temperatures forecast for this week, it is time!
I call myself the Lazy Berkshire Gardener because I don’t want to work too hard in my gardens. I want to enjoy them. I find it easier to observe my landscape and let the compost happen, the water pool up, or daisies to self-sow. I look for ways to do the minimum task for the biggest impact. For example, mulching is better than spraying and much better than weeding all season. I look for beautiful, low-maintenance plants that thrive in or at least tolerate my garden conditions. Plus, I am willing to live with the consequences if I miss something.
