Let's take a stroll to the kitchen drawer where all of those catalogs we never read during the growing season are stored. This time of year we often find ourselves occupied with thoughts of menorahs, Christmas trees, and twinkling lights. I find that when I have a moment to myself during this time, it is always good to have a plant, tool or seed catalog handy to remind me of warmer weather and the peace of the garden. Just imagine hoeing weeds with that new one that Santa got for me from A.M. Leonard, or pruning fruit trees with my new Felco pruners that were in my stocking from Smith Hawken. It makes me wonder why everyone doesn't garden.
Subtle hints are easy with catalogs.
While the weather or lack of time prevents us from enjoying our passion, it is a comfort that these colorful and descriptive catalogs are available to keep us in touch with the amazing bounty of the garden. Bundling up and visiting the garden to see how things are sleeping is also a very good project if time allows in the winter. I like to go out and imagine the bulbs popping through the mulch layer with the first promise of early spring color, or think about the blaze of color from blooming fruit trees. I often find that this is the time of year when I accomplish a lot of gardening projects not directly involved with plants. Sharpening tools, getting the mower tuned up and getting the blades sharpened, as well as sorting out seeds and seed starting stuff are all fun projects.