BLOOMING IN JANUARY

January, like December, is a time for the garden to do its unseen work.

The leaves and blooms that have been shed allows plants to do their serious work of maintenance and survival. Roots are going about their quiet business. The soil surrounding them is also alive with subtle activity.

In this soil, microbes, fungi, and other tiny organisms continue working through the cold months, just at a much slower pace. Winter rainfall, snow cover, and mulch all help support this process by creating a stable environment where these microbes can continue their work. Spring will bring soil rich in life and nutrients, perfectly primed for the growing season ahead. Even in the quiet of winter, the garden is slowly and persistently building the foundation for another season.

Sugars and starches are stored inside roots, bulbs, and woody stems; little snack packs for the coming months. These chemicals lower the freezing point of the plant’s internal fluids, helping tissues survive harsh cold without damage.

This period of rest also plays an important role in long-term plant health. Many woody shrubs and perennials use winter dormancy to repair cellular damage, strengthen tissues, and reset their systems after a busy growing season. When spring warmth and light return to New York, new life will explode before our eyes.

Late January will bring Snowdrops and Lenten Roses, followed by Crocus, Daffodils and Tulips.