Why gardeners love the snow

Why would a gardener love the snow? Isn't that depressing for gardeners? Well, actually, just like anything else, it depends on how you look at it. So, today, as I watch the flakes fly, I'm reflecting on all the reasons gardening and snow make a great combination. Shall I enlighten you? There's more to snow in the garden than you might think. 

Obviously, snow saves on watering.

You don't have the time or the energy to water daily in winter. Thank goodness for the snow. All winter long, it keeps your trees, shrubs, dormant herbs and such watered. It saves on your water bill so you can pay the heat bill. Plus, there's no lugging around hoses or trying to determine which plant needs what. Just relax. Watch the winter wonderland drift into your garden.

Snow keeps the house clean.

You spent all that time in the garden this summer. It was wonderful, but the house has been somewhat neglected. Now that the snow is falling, you can catch up on household maintenance. That's the beauty of seasonal change. It allows you to vary your tasks from garden to home. Now, bring out those lovely poinsettias you've been nurturing. Imagine how pretty they'll look in front of the glass patio doors with all that snow falling outside.

Snow time means gifting time.

It's the season for giving loved ones gifts from the garden. You worked hard all fall. You have strings of hot peppers. You made jams and jellies galore. Your sauces are just the right amount of spicy. Now it's time to share them with friends and family. Snowfall means holidays. Holidays mean giving. What better gifts are there than those you grew and made yourself?

Snowfall is a great excuse to eat those canned goods.

Don't forget, your own cupboards are full of yummy delights for you too. In the summer, you made use of all those wonderful fresh veggies. Now that the snow is falling, it's time to indulge in your own canned, stored and frozen delicacies. This is the season to break out the pickles and other homemade family favorites. You didn't plan on giving it all away, did you? Snow time is the right time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

When you can't garden, you can....

What's one of the nicest things about snow for gardeners? It keeps you from gardening. Hey, you love to garden. Still, everyone needs a break. Most gardeners have to be forced to call it quits. I know I do. Now you have plenty of time to plan and plot next year's awesome garden. Let's face it, if it weren't for the snow, you'd still be at it. So, enjoy the snow. It's good for your garden and it's good for you.