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Many people make resolutions for the new year normally regarding self improve- ment. So if you're a gardener, why not make one, or a few, to improve your gardens as well? It's not too late — it's still January, and planting is still off in the distance. Be realistic, though. We've all made reso- lutions that don't last far into the new year. Pick something that you really think is fea- sible and will make gardening more fun and less work. One simple thing might be to step outside your box and try something new in the plant world. There are lots of new plants out there or simply try something different that you haven't grown before. Do you find yourself using the same flow- ers every year? I know I did until one year the plants I always bought weren't avail- able. So I went a different direction and my whiskey barrel planters were outstanding. Now, every year I try to do something dif- ferent. This can be done in the vegetable garden as well. Pick a new variety of tomato or something else you really enjoy. You don't have to try a bunch, just pick out one. You may find a new favorite. There are some great container vegetables out there these days. Maybe you want to get back to nature or help the environment. You could choose to help out the bees and other pollinators. Plant more native vari- eties or other plants like herbs. Many peo- ple don't think of herbs, but they are polli- nator magnets, and we both get to benefit from them. You could also start your own compost area. It is not difficult to do and it saves money. It also saves all that organic waste from filling up our landfills. Another thing you could try is to use fer- tilizers and insect-disease controls that are natural. There are home remedies out there to try or talk to the experts at your local garden center; they'll point you in the right direction. If you have children, or even nieces and nephews, make it a point to get them more involved. The vegetable garden is the per- fect place to start. It is a great teaching tool Not only from the point of learning how plants grow, but showing them where food comes from and allowing them the joy of seeing it come from garden to table. Increase your knowledge of gardening by taking a class, attending seminars or even volunteering at a community or public gar- den. Order a new magazine or get an online subscription to a gardening publication. The more you know and understand about gardening, the easier it becomes. Last but not least, vow to spend more time in your garden. I'm not saying you should be out there weeding every day, even though I actually know some people who think weeding is fun; use it as therapy or as a refuge to relax from a busy day. I myself just like to walk my gardens to enjoy the solace that they bring and the calming effect they have on my soul. Take the time to watch the butterflies or hum- mingbirds fly from plant to plant and you just can't help but experience a change in mood. There are so many more things you can do, these are just a few. Find one that fits you. It can be small or grandiose, your choice. But like I said, just be realistic, you'll have a better chance for success. Happy gardening! (Michael Timm is a horticulturalist with Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia.) HOME JANUARY 2019 8 MICHAEL TIMM Gardening resolutions to make your time outdoors more enjoyable in the coming year Michael Timm If you're looking to make a resolution for the betterment of your garden and improved enjoyment, plants that draw pollinators are a good place to start. Michael Timm Purple lantana blooms draw a butterfly in the author's garden.