We are more than halfway through the short, dreary, cold days of winter. As the days grow longer and nature teases us with a warm “false-spring” day here and there- it is easy to dream of the days of working outside with the heat of the sun on your back. We are almost there! However, resist the urge to do too much cleanup in the yard as our overwintering pollinators and other wildlife species are still lying dormant among the leaf litter and dry stems from last year’s blooms. Nature knows better and each species has their own preferred temperature photoperiod that triggers their emergence.
For some of our native bees, consistent temperatures above 50 degrees trigger their emergence from their overwintering slumber. Some species of butterfly may overwinter as adults, and can be observed fluttering around on bright, sunny, warm winter days. When cold weather follows, they return to their overwintering spot of bark or leaf litter. Others overwinter within their chrysalis and usually wait to emerge later in the season when flowers are beginning to bloom. Some species of amphibian and bats may also emerge on warm sunny days but know just what to do if the weather cools down again.
So, what should you do if you are eager to get started on your garden activities for the spring? Now is a great time to start planning new gardens. You can use WSA’s Conservation Landscape Design Tool to get started in planning new planting areas.
Not planning any new gardens this year and would rather focus on maintaining what you have? Create a maintenance plan or review and improve your existing one using tips from WSA’s Rainscaping Manual. Winter is also a great time to evaluate your gardens and plan your spring plant orders. Online catalogs sell out fast, so the earlier you can place your order, the better chance you have of getting the native plants you want.
Finally, if you read my last Sugg-Jeff-tion- it may be time to check on those seeds you have cold stratifying. Some may be ready to plant while others may need a longer stratification period.
So, take the time now to rest and reflect just like nature has intended. That way you are ready to have the best growing season yet when spring arrives in a few short weeks. That’s just my Sugg-Jeff-tion!
Jeffrey Popp, WSA Director of Restoration
jeff@aawsa.org