THE NEW YEAR MOVES ALONG
Janus,
the Roman god of gates and doorways, beginnings and endings looks both backward
and forward. How fitting that the first month of the year is named for him and
that the tradition of taking stock of the year just ended and planning for the
new year just beginning has carried forward all these millennia.
As we move into February, let's also be mindful of the present. What's happening in the gardens right now?
For starters, the Yucca
filamentosa ‘Color Guard’ are the current shining stars. Their variegated green
and yellow leaves are like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy, grey day. A member of
the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), they are the perfect Xeriscape plant: drought, heat, cold, and humidity tolerant, and low maintenance. And yes,
the yucca is edible, though we ask that you please refrain from sampling any of
the yucca in the gardens.
In addition
to what you can see above ground, there’s an amazing amount of action happening
below the soil’s surface. Microorganisms
and wiggly worms are doing what they do best: breaking down organic
matter, creating a healthy and nourishing environment that will encourage
beautiful blooms from the yucca, lavender, yarrow, geums and catmint come
spring, summer, and fall. Do take an up-close
look at the garden beds and see what else you can spy going on.
Of course, we can't resist taking a look ahead, wondering what Punxsutawney
Phil will see when he appears on February 2nd.