January was wetter than December, but still unseasonably warm. We’ve enjoyed a number of warmish, dry days.
The rhubarb is pushing through the winter soil.
Chives, in all their bright green glory always return. They’re such a pretty herb.
It was a year ago that I began writing this garden blog. I was already committed to my other one called Janet’s House. I decided to keep them separate because I knew I’d be spending lots of time in the garden, then writing about it and I felt it might overwhelm readers who checked in with Janet’s House only to find me obsessed with the great outdoors.
After contemplating that dilemma, I’ve decided that that’s who I am. My house and my yard are what make me Janet. I love cooking, eating, sewing, knitting, travel and anything artistic and creative, which of course includes the garden. I’ve come to the conclusion that Janet’s House will include all the gardening I do, whether it’s my ever-growing plots of fruits and vegetables or the more decorative side of cutting gardens and landscaping. I’ll share the fun of visiting the farmers market and finding the perfect nursery.
My original idea for Janet’s House blog was to encourage everyone to enjoy being creative. My pleasure comes from showing how to make something, not just showing off what I’ve made. My happiness comes from making things for my home, family and friends, whether it’s a gift or an invitation to dinner. My garden gives me the same pleasures. I have such fun experimenting and exploring my garden, visiting other gardens, then writing about the adventure and sharing my process and ideas.
I love preparing the garden for the growing season and planting those first peas. I anxiously await the first stalks of asparagus and I long for August when there are finally, at long last, ripe tomatoes. I love to encourage canning, freezing and cooking with simple tips, ideas and recipes. I can think of nothing sweeter than taking my fresh, ripe strawberries to my mother as we talk and remember her gardens and everything she helped me learn.
So this is the last official ‘I’m in the Garden’ post. Nothing will really change though. I’ll bring my suggested books, shops and favorite blogs with me and add them to my lists. I think this will be more fun; certainly a more well rounded view of what’s happing at Janet’s House. Join me, won’t you?
