Garden Goals for 2026

I had big dreams of winter evenings and weekends filled with garden dreaming and scheming, but life has had other ideas thus far, so instead I have a pile. (Even less photogenic than I’ve made it above). Work required every creative brain cell in the Nov/Dec holiday season, and now I’m embarking on a major project with my parents and siblings that will span the next few months. I’m the self-appointed Project Manager and right now all my diagramming, sketching and spreadsheeting energy is going to that, which I’m happy to do and excited about, but I also don’t want to lose track of time with regard to the garden. Before we know it, the ground will begin to thaw and buds will swell, and foundational Springtime decisions must be made! So here’s my list of goals for the next few months, which will set me up for the further gardening season I hope to have—

• Finish the courtyard planning and hopefully at least remove the asphalt before the existing plants wake up.

• Choose, at minimum, the major plant elements for that space, and be prepared to get them planted as soon as it’s safe.

• Which means finishing my Plant Wish List so I don’t miss an opportunity to include standouts from the list.

• Also, decide what to do about the plants along the back-side fence. I mentioned having neglected and then belatedly planted a few evergreens in Sept/Oct to replace some that didn’t survive last winter. They’re not likely to make it, but what’s clear to me is I don’t have any of that right in the first place. It was done on impulse when the first of the plants went in, and based on what was on hand in that moment. Meaning, it was never thought through properly and really needs to be. And I’d like to be ready to correct the bigger elements in Spring and not Fall, if possible, so I don’t lose another growing season in that spot.

• Sort out what/where my vegetable garden will be this year, as it pertains to the courtyard plan — more on all that next week!

I also have plans for growing the blog this year, which will unfold with time, and a side goal is to get more of you to talk to me while you’re here! I’d love to hear what your garden goals are for the season or the year and invite you to share what you’re willing below!