So what can a frustrated gardener do today? Grab your camera and head outside to take some pictures of your garden. With the snow cover melted and the real bones of the garden exposed, it’s the perfect time to formulate a plan to improve your garden when the time is right.
Cornus sericea waiting to be pruned
I took this photo of my red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea) which is in need of some pruning (more on pruning to follow in another post). While it’s still too early to prune, this photo lets me really look at the red twig dogwood and decide which branches need to go because they are too old and no longer have color (the gray ones in the photos) and which ones should be pruned away to open up the shrub and help it thrive.
You can also use your photos to find the perfect tree or shrub to fill in some bare spots or to add winter interest which may be lacking. For instance, I know I need to add more conifers to my garden. I don’t really miss them when all my deciduous plants have leafed out but a look at my photos makes me see exactly where I need to place a conifer to help showcase other plants – like my red twig dogwood.
So grab your camera and take tons of photos of your garden from all different angles. If you have a two-story house don’t forget to take some from an upstairs window. You’ll be amazed at how quickly design inspiration will come to you. And best of all, you will be ready for spring once it finally arrives!
