Garden Planning, Spring 2021
I am starting a big garden from scratch this year. It feels like I’m behind the eight-ball with this very damp, soggy winter we’ve experienced but, alas, I have a lifetime to work on it. Taking inspiration from the gardens of Colonial Williamsburg, my mother’s collection of horticultural books, and the mind-numbingly endless array of gorgeous photos on Pinterest, it’s so hard to find a place to start.
My personal history with gardening is somewhat limited. Although I take care of a handful of houseplants which brighten my mood during winter’s doldrums, I’m coming from an urban setting. Before, I had but a small deck and porch for containers and the tree well in my section of city sidewalk — a favorite spot for the neighborhood dogs to stop for a brief sniff and leg lift. It’s a far cry from this 1,600+ sq. ft. garden in planning. I can remember one of the earliest days at Eagles’ Watch remarking how excited I was just to have “a hose” if that tells you anything.
Urban Container Gardening | Pittsburgh, PA | Zone 6B
The planning phase is well underway, and thanks to our good friends over at GrowMuse they’ve taken a lot of the guesswork out of our vegetable plots. If you are a beginner like me, or are gardening with children, you’ll definitely want to take a look at their website for tools, tips and ideas. I love their free vegetable planner template. It is pre-loaded with 21 fruits, herbs and veggies! I can already tell it is going to be an invaluable tool both now and in the future as I learn and expand my garden.
Also I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a mention to some of the great local nurseries and garden centers that offer loads of advice and smiling faces every time we visit. Let me know if there is anyone I’ve missed or perhaps haven’t discovered yet!!
- Ulster American Homestead Garden Center
- Anderson's
- Jamestown Feed & Seed
- Savanna's Lawn Care / Virginia Green
- Coleman Nursery
- McDonald Garden Centers
- Atlantic Growers
- The Growers Exchange
- Seasons of Williamsburg -- though not a “garden center,” any gardener would love visiting this local shop and florist
In the weeks to come, the crew and I will build the fence, prepare the soil, get our hands dirty and cross our fingers for cooperative weather. The hardest part will be patience, which I decidedly lack, as our tender seedlings sprout.
Lastly, I know I’m not the only one out there eagerly awaiting spring. This April 17 - 24 is the Garden Club of Virginia’s 74th annual Historic Garden Week which offers tours of private gardens throughout the state. It is not to be missed. Get your tickets in advance through their website. Also returning virtually this year is the Garden Symposium put on by Colonial Williamsburg, which will be held April 22-25.
To encourage you to enjoy these great events, and in anticipation of a beautiful spring in Virginia, we’re offering 15% off room rates April 15 - 25 when you book in advance with code GARDEN. I’m sure I’ll have a little something extra special up my sleeve that week too!
Will post updates soon! -Jennifer
Gardening is my happy place. Excited to watch your garden evolve!