TOMORROW, WE WELCOME in the new year. Since this is the first column to talk of the New Year, it is time to cover some traditional ground.

First, resolutions

Be resolute in promoting and encouraging everyone, regardless if it is one person or a business, to put up one hanging basket, flower box or decorative container in front of their home or office this year. And be clear in the fact that such an easy task will accomplish such an enormous aesthetic benefit for our community.

I resolve to answer more readers’ questions in my columns and to encourage more local folks to write with their gardening concerns. Let’s make this the year of answers.

Be it resolved that so many beautiful gardens are spread out across the North Olympic Peninsula, a bona-fide effort will be made to travel, record and report on these local garden treasures.

Let us all realize that any program is but one tooth in the gear that powers our community, so I again resolve to aid a variety of community programs and projects through volunteering or donations.

Looking ahead

Next come some trends and directions for the new year.

The word is “availability.”

Through computers and the web, plant genetics, explosions in American horticulture, ease of breeding, simplicity of shipping and the ability to purchase professional tools and supplies, the consumer has never had such an overwhelming choice of products available.

Think of it! It is there somewhere, so go find it. The age of availability is upon us, businesses are scrambling to get you to just watch for the seed catalogs that are streaking your way.

With all these new colors and plants available, along with information from all angles, YOU are the new trend!

Dream your garden’s desires and create them.

Plant breeders and collectors have now introduced so many plant idea for conditions from absolute shade to hot, dry, full sun. Plants that are disease resistant, more prolific and have earlier or later bloom dates are everywhere.

You are the only one that knows what your perfect yard is.

The future is for you to create (is this where I sing “Que sera sera?). Then, remember that year-round is looming on the horizon — a theme a few others and I have been pushing for more than 28 years is taking root.

Look for more and more articles on extending the season. Watch for books on winter gardening or blooming plants for the dark months.

American horticulture is on the verge of its “coming of age.” The world will take notice in the years to come.

Peninsula perfect

At this time, let us be reminded again that the North Olympic Peninsula is the most ideal place for gardening.

Not only do we live in one of the most gorgeous places in the world, but our climatic zone is perfect for the widest range of hardy plants.

Our evening temperatures are the best to be found for plants, yielding abundant harvests.

Since we are reflecting on the coming year, let us mark the second week in February when the Northwest Flower and Garden Show makes its annual appearance in Seattle.

This show is world class.

Within the aisles and booths of the show, all I have ever written or talked about is there. I will discuss this again later.

Let me close by saying it is Day One of mid early-winter. The dark and wet cycle is fully upon us.

Avoid walking on your soggy lawn.

Now is the time to fix drainage problems in your yard.

This is also the perfect season for pruning and removing storm damage or diseased branches, plants and trees.

With the warm weather, weeds are taking hold, so go out and remove those vigorous roots while the soil is saturated.

Many plants are still in bloom, so never forget to deadhead.

So please everyone, resolve to have a great year; not just for your yard but for all of your friends and family, along with their good health and fortune.

Wishing you all a very merry New Year … and do stay well all!

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Andrew May is a freelance writer and ornamental horticulturist who dreams of having Clallam and Jefferson counties nationally recognized as “Flower Peninsula USA.” Send him questions c/o Peninsula Daily News, P.O. Box 1330, Port Angeles, WA 98362, or email news@peninsuladailynews.com (subject line: Andrew May).