My February Garden

My February Garden



   As I write this the snow is drifting down from the sky. It is a beautiful scene. While I can appreciate the tranquil serenity of the outdoors as I sit here, I am surrounded by bright and shiny seed catalogues. Thoughts of beautiful blossoms and bountiful crops are filling my head.
 
   At this point in the year every garden success is possible. New varieties of old favorites that offer larger crops or more pest and disease resistance all swim before my eyes. It is hard to resist all the wonderful options. I usually make the seed order and then review it before I send it away. Usually, I need to pare it down, it is easy to get carried away.
 

   In February all things are still possible in my garden plans. The reality of disappointment when things go wrong is forgotten. Things like a June heat that made all things difficult, or an influx of pests that ruined a crop slip our minds completely.
 
   This optimistic attitude is what happy gardeners share. Seed catalogues and websites fuel that attitude. I always try some new varieties of flowers and vegetables every year. I plant new varieties along side favorites for some comparison. Often finding new favorites this way.

 
   The garden is like a canvas that changes year after year. February is the beginning of the anticipation of yearly renewal in the Okanagan Garden. All things are possible.
 
Wendy Salvail