A PLANTING GUIDE FOR THE NEW YEAR

Over twenty years ago the following garden guide was presented at a meeting of the Northwest Oregon and Washington Columbia Fiber Guild.

It is a new year in many ways, yes, with perhaps new edible crops and perhaps a review of our mental garden as well.

GARDEN OF RESOLUTIONS

In my garden I have planted five rows of peas:

• preparedness, 
• promptness,
• perseverance, 
• politeness and 
• patience.

Next to them I have planted three rows of squash:

• squash gossip,
• squash criticism, and 
• squash indifference.

Then I put in five rows of lettuce:

• let us be faithful, 
• let us be unselfish,
• let us be loyal, 
• let us love one another, 
• let us be truthful.

And, of course, no garden is complete without turnips:

.
• turn up for meetings,
• turn up with a smile,
• turn up with a new idea, and
• turn up with determination 

Lastly, our garden must have thyme: 

• thyme for each other, 
• thyme for family,
• thyme for friends.

Water freely with patience and cultivate with love.  There is much fruit in your garden because you reap what you sow.

It is an exciting time of year for gardeners and especially for Master Gardeners and the many opportunities to volunteer.  Events are in the process of being scheduled, many Community Education classes, Spring Seminar, Community Gardens opening and their need for mentors, Home & Garden Show, annual MG Plant Sale, plus the many requests from local organizations for speakers.  Every event needs volunteers, from making copies and distributing them to being a presenter. 

It is a wonderful experience to have an active part in these events and one you won't regret.