2024 New Year's Goals
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Getting a start on planning for 2024 deciding whether to start with planting zinnias again. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)
2024 New Year’s Goals
I don't make New Year's resolutions. Well, I do, but I don't call them resolutions; goals seem less imposing and more achievable.
I start by reviewing last year's accomplishments and think through what I didn't get to this past year. Grow more zinnias usually kicked off every list for the last 5 years. Keeping a written diary is very helpful because I don't always remember the things that worked well, and those that didn't or that I forget. Note the five entries on zinnias. The more measurable the better but not always; 1982 was the year I tried all forms of raspberries. Yum.
Ditch invasives and go native. Opt for local native plants that support your ecosystem and pollinators. Identify what natives you already have growing and encourage them by staking and mulching them. You can get some good starts at George O. White State Nursery for Missouri; they will also sell out of state and include many Midwest natives such as Eastern Redbud tree seedlings.
Know your native bees. Most people I know can identify bumblebees and maybe carpenter bees but none of the other native bees. Can you spot native bees in your garden? Native bees are the endangered ones so identify how you can support them by planting natives, leaving leaf litter and plant stalks.
Learn your pollinators: Learn which pollinators frequent your area - think butterflies, bats, birds - and choose blooms to attract them. Offer watering spots and housing. Bat houses not only help these pollinators but they will help keep mosquito populations in check.
Build healthy soil: Learn to compost and use natural amendments to nurture the foundation of your garden. We in US toss out 40% of our food, why not use kitchen scraps to nurture soil that nurtures our food?
H2O Hero: Install efficient irrigation, utilize rainwater harvesting, and mulch generously to conserve soil moisture. I love my rainwater saving totes and am working on redesigning parts of my garden to collect even more rain.
Get growing your own: Challenge yourself to grow more of your own food! Start with easy-to-grow veggies such as lettuce and radishes, and herbs; basil, chives, mint. You don't need a huge garden; start with pots.
Embrace the "wow": Experiment with colors, textures, and heights to create a visually stunning oasis. If you use natives, they will do better than any exotic plants you import and will be very kind to your pocket book. They also have a better chance of surviving. Look around you and be inspired.
Double up: Rethink how many times you run around town and reduce your car use and fossil fuel emissions. COVID taught us how to stay home and plan ahead. Keep those skills alive by bunching up errands and cutting down your driving.
Repurpose: Whether clothes, furniture and whatever else you already have, rethink how to use it before buying new. If you can't, donate; help reduce landfill contributions.
Mindful moments: Make time for quiet reflection in your garden, appreciating the activity you see as your garden becomes a healthy ecosystem hosting pollinators and other garden residents.
These are starting points. What are your goals for the new year?
Charlotte
