Many hours have been spent looking out the windows, checking to see if we are getting any frozen precipitation. What is today’s forecast? Will it rain, snow or sleet? What is the temperature range for today? When they service my car, do they check the antifreeze? How many layers of clothing will I need? What can I cook now that we can eat if we lose power? (No fear! David grilled at the camp and brought home enough to feed an army!) Do we have batteries for all the flashlights? Is the kerosene lamp still on top of the china cabinet?

When you look out the windows, what do you see? Sunday morning, I saw lots of rainfall flowing across the yard. It was standing in spots that it does not normally puddle. Mental note: No, I did not rake the leaves out of the shallow ditch that helps the backyard drainage. That also was a reminder that those leaves should have been used to mulch the beds that border that section of the yard. The various colors on the bottle tree do perk my spirits.

As it is a bit nippy to work outside, turn off the TV, grab a notebook and pen, pull up a stool and sit in front of the window. Really look and see what is going on. Move to another window and observe. Does your lawn have trees? Are they evergreens or deciduous? Look at the bark. Is it smooth, or does it have an unusual texture? Point those things out to your grandchildren or a young neighbor child as you walk around when the weather warms up.

What can be added to the winter environment to add a bit of interest to the dreary landscape? Breathe deeply. Do you have an area that could support a trellis? A sturdy trellis might be made of metal, plastic, wire or wood – whatever your taste and pocketbook allow. When spring arrives, sprinkle a few cypress vine seeds around the base of your trellis, and you will soon have hummingbirds and butterflies to enjoy.

If you prefer a simple, uncluttered structure, be on the lookout for an obelisk. You know – one of those structures that looks like the Washington Monument. They come in assorted sizes but will be a tall, four-sided tapering monument with a pyramid-shaped top. An obelisk fits into a modern, sleek-line garden and adds a timeless accent to container plantings or garden beds.

If your taste is more outdoorsy and country, put The World’s Longest Yard Sale on your to-do list. There are lots of unique finds for just the right spot. Be on the lookout for interesting containers. Estate and yard sales often have unusual flowerpots and garden art. Maybe you like a certain color – spray paint a couple of plant stands in coordinating shades. Add a seasonal flag. Use restraint, because too much “cute stuff” can quickly make an area look crowded and cluttered.

Think about the environment of your home and yard. At Camp David, many containers are old findings from the family dump. I have used old round tubs, milk strainers, an old wheelbarrow, bent buckets, old farm equipment and even a child’s tricycle. You can also set a flowerpot on an old stump.

A large rock can add interest. I have a small flower bed at the end of our driveway, circular and lined with old stones that were once the foundation of the family barn. We have a few perennials in the space, and I have enjoyed adding seasonal metal yard art.
My old body is not a fan of cold temperatures! No outside work today. I guess I should finish cleaning out the closet …

Former elementary teacher and avid gardener Olivia Sansing lives in the New Hope community and shares timely tips on behalf of the Lowndes County Master Gardeners.

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