I read somewhere that we shouldn’t just call it February, but rather, “February Already,” because it always seems to take us by surprise. We can never seem to remember what happened to January or have much to show for it, and it’s already history.
We are, in fact, already halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, and things are definitely waking up to the longer daylengths. In fact (because I like to learn something new every day), here on the 48th parallel north, we have already gained over an hour of daylight since December 21 (from 8 hrs 21 min to 9 hrs 36 min).
(You can find the info for your location at the Time and Date website.)
So that’s Exciting!
So I figured it might not be too late to start a garden journal to help me keep track of things. Actually, I think this every year. I’ve been known to make maps, ornate plans, and especially spreadsheets. (Do a search in the search bar for “garden plan” or just follow the menu: Grow > How-To. Crazy, I know. It goes back 15 years. In Public, even.) I call it “productive procrastination.” Good intentions go pretty well for the first couple months.
Then I realized I already have an ongoing journal of sorts in the Grow > Gardens > Garden Gallery section on the Main Menu of this website. If you follow the links, you might notice that nothing happens in June and July, and if you are a gardener, you know that Everything happens in June and July (and August and September, too, for that matter), which is why nothing gets uploaded to the website. Perhaps we can rectify that this year.
Which begs the question: Do I really need to start yet Another Garden Log? Will it help me remember where the time went? Will it give me a sense of accomplishment? Or perhaps help me be more organized in shuffling priorities and to-do lists? Will it help anyone else?
I think not.
But it IS fun to look back and see how much snow we had a few years ago and to see that yes! pink violets were blooming back then, too!
I also keep a handwritten “Biotime Log” created by Maddy Harland, illustrated by Jane Bottomley, in which I [briefly!] record observations, events, etc., whether it be extreme temps, storms, precipitation (or lack thereof), the first sound of frogs, when the swallows return, or when the huckleberries get ripe. It’s not a diary, per se. However, recording these rhythms of nature helps me to stay connected, and after a few years, one begins to see patterns. This might prove useful as we experience increasing climate extremes and associated ripple effects. That’s the goal.
Sometimes I sketch this in a “phenology wheel.” I also keep what I call my “gratitude sketchbook journal of moments of magic and joy” — a way to keep my sanity in 2025 – but that is for another post.
And so, I thought I might share a few January photos, observations, and accomplishments (by now you must be curious) and also post them in the January Garden Gallery section just for the record.
First, for the Birds
I spend a lot of time watching the backyard birds, especially in winter. These are just a few (photos taken through a window). When I go out in the mornings to feed them, they stay nearby. I usually call to the Stellar’s jays and they will often respond. A dozen morning doves often come and go, and sometimes there are so many sparrows and juncos, it looks like the ground is moving! Sometimes we are visited by a family of quail, a few flickers, downy woodpeckers, and a reddish squirrel. Occasionally, a sharp-shinned hawk will fly in for a quick meal, and everyone scatters in a flash.
A Walk through the Garden … Flowers in JANUARY???
I cannot believe how many things are already blooming! Doesn’t this just make your heart sing!
MORE Signs of Spring!
And last but not least, for the love of Willows!
In all their naked glory!
That’s it for now. Hope you have enjoyed these few highlights.
We are just one little spot in the Pacific Northwest, but unique in our own way. I am always curious about what other people are growing or experiencing in other parts of the country and around the world. Let me know! My heart goes out to those who are dealing with the aftermath of fire, floods, hurricanes, crazy snowstorms, or in far too many places, picking through the rubble of war. I am always humbled by how privileged we are to have “enough” and so much more, and wish there were an easier way to share.
Take care of your neighbors and loved ones. Buy local and from small businesses trying to make ends meet. Spread kindness. Grow things. Grow something for yourself to eat and a little extra to share, and something for the wild things that live everywhere around you.
Wishing you abundance in the uncertain times ahead,
Blythe
