Hort Shorts
- Bare-root plants can be substantially cheaper than potted plants, they are easier to handle and plant, and they establish readily. Fruit trees, roses, asparagus, raspberries and strawberries are commonly offered in this form. Bare-root plants are dormant, with soil removed from roots. Buy plants as soon as shipments arrive in stores, avoiding any that already have leaves. The roots should be moist and plump, with an earthy smell.
- The new year is a perfect time to design a wall calendar like no other. Take a photo of a plant in your garden each month and then compile them all at the end of the year for a custom calendar for the following year. A homemade calendar is a fun way to anticipate what’s due to arrive in the garden each month. Photo outlets, arts and crafts stores and online sources offer convenient ways to put your art in finished form.
- Nature journaling is a popular pastime that can encompass more than the written word. Even the most rudimentary of sketches can enhance your observations. Public gardens, arboretums and science museums frequently offer courses in botanical illustration suitable for both the budding artist and the seasoned pro. Check with nearby organizations about their upcoming calendar of events.
- A $10 donation to the Arbor Day Foundation will net you 10 bare-root trees for your landscape. Visit www.arborday.org and click on “Become A Member.” You may type in your zip code to see what trees you may choose from. Sample selections, offered in packages of 10, include “Autumn Classics,” “Wild Bird Garden” and “Flowering Trees.”