10 New Year's Resolutions For Gardeners

One of my favorite ways to mark the transition into a new year is to make some resolutions. Have you made any resolutions yet? If not, keep reading to discover my 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Gardeners. You can borrow some (or all) or them for yourself. It will be our little secret!

1) Plant Something New

This year, why not resolve to try out some new plants? You can get started early with new-to-you winter plants, or plan ahead for the spring. Consider mixing and matching some miniature plants you have not yet tried. In the gardening world, new varieties are always popping up. Ask your local growers for their favorites, or go online to read up on the latest trends in miniature gardening. The goal? Plant something you have never grown before, even if it is just one miniature plant.

2) Plant Something You Can Eat

Edible plants are all the rage. With a return to “Victory Gardens” in 2020, more gardeners than ever are trying out herb gardens, vegetable gardens, and even edible flowers. You do not need to become a large-scale farmer overnight. Just choose one or two new edible miniature plants. Rosemary and mint are two of my personal favorites.

3) Experiment with Ground Covers

When fairies fly into your miniature garden, do they land on cold, exposed soil—or do they step into a lush lawn of green ground cover plants? This year, try experimenting with ground cover plants in your winter container garden. If you need some tips and tricks, check out this handy guide to ground covers.

4) Adopt a New Fairy Friend

Re-theming a miniature garden or overhauling the winter container garden is a big goal for the new year. To guard against overwhelm, think smaller. Try adding just one new fairy friend, miniature accessory, or fairy house to your winter container garden. The addition of just one fairy can be all the change your garden needs to feel refreshed and new. Later on, you can consider new miniature plants, trees, landscaping materials, and more.

5) Research Native Plants

Another fun way to refresh your miniature garden is to dive into some plant research. Go online or visit the library to find out which plants are native to your region. Perhaps the perfect winter flowering plant for your garden is also the state flower. Or maybe your local bees and butterflies prefer a certain type of miniature plant. This easy switch to native plants can help you connect with your local area…and it may even help you identify winter plants that will thrive where you live. 

6) Conquer Your Fears

The new year is the perfect time to stand up to your fears. Yes, gardeners have fears! We can be nervous about planting winter flowering plants, wary of stepping into the world of fairy gardens, or even afraid of trying out Bonsai trees and other miniature trees. When it comes to the miniature garden, is there something you have avoided? I challenge you to take a leap of faith and try it out in 2021.

7) Grow the Gardening Community

As an introvert, I think of the garden as my personal oasis. There, I hide away from the world and delight in my miniature plants and accessories. Even though I do not usually dig in the garden alongside friends, the wider gardening community has become an invaluable resource and a warm circle of friends, especially during this challenging year. In 2021, try going online, joining a Facebook group, checking out a message board, or even visiting an in-person gardening club in your local area.

8) Share Your Love of Gardening

Here is a simple one: This year, instead of hiding your gardening hobby in the backyard, put it on display! Explore the world of window boxes, put your winter container garden out on the porch, or grow some winter flowering plants around your mailbox. Let your neighborhood know that you are a gardener, and you are proud of it!

9) Make It a Family Affair

The fairies and plants may be miniature, but there is always room for visitors in the garden. This year, resolve to spend some family time in the miniature garden. Perhaps it is time to introduce your children, grandchildren, or nieces and nephews to the wonderful world of gardening. Or maybe Mom and Dad would like to get in on the fun. When we garden together, love grows.

10) Give the Gift of Miniature Gardening

The holidays may be over, but you can still give the gift of gardening! For little to no cost, you can volunteer your time and share your gardening skills. Afterschool programs, colleges, libraries, and other local organizations are always looking for volunteers to share their knowledge. Call your local schools and retirement homes to see if they could benefit from a cheerful container garden. Gardening is an easy and safe way to give back to the community.

Good luck with all of your New Year’s resolutions—and, as always, happy gardening!  

Miniature Gardening offers a variety of accessories, fairies, miniature houses, garden tools and furniture to create enchanting miniature landscapes. Miniature trees from 'Miniature Gardening' are an exclusive collection of plants for mini gardens or fairy gardens. If you are looking for mini garden accessories visit www.miniature-gardening.com.