December In the Garden

Written By Basile Senesi

Welcome gardening friends and flower lovers. Like most gardeners there is nothing I love more than talking/writing about what I am up to in the garden and flower fields. I have been meaning to get a newsletter going and hope to keep you all apprised of what’s going on at 7th St Flowers farm and garden throughout 2023. I thought a quick introduction would be in order before I get going.

About Me

My name is Kari Copple, I am an avid gardener and along with my husband have developed an extensive garden at our home of 24 years. I grew up in Portland, Oregon where my mother’s side of the family ran a produce market in downtown called Figini Bros., so I have farming in my genes. I met my husband at the University of Oregon and we moved to the Sonoma Valley in 1986 where we raised our three children. One of my gardening goals was to have plenty of flowers to cut and bring into the house for myself and friends. Eventually I decided a cutting garden was necessary and thus began my career as a flower farmer. I took the Floret Online Workshop in 2019 and began formally flower farming that Spring. The 7th Street Flower Cart was rolled out in 2021. I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts not only on all things plant related, but also my perspective as a physically challenged gardener.

December In the Garden

So, what is a gardener up to on these rainy (yay!) December days? It’s all about anticipation. In my growing zone, zone 9b, this gardener is questioning whether all their fall planting and winter preparing will come to fruition: Will all my fall planted bulbs and corms survive much less bloom? Did I plant enough hardy annuals? And why oh why didn't I take advantage of that fall plant sale?

Truthfully, I have to rein myself in when it comes to buying plants...a story for another time! I’m a big fan of the BBC’s show Gardener’s World and Monty Don. Nothing annoys my husband like his list of gardening chores at the end of every episode, so of course here is our current to do list for December gardening in zone 9b:

1.     Keep planting bulbs! Ther are lots of sales right now and it’s not too late!

2.     If you haven’t planned your spring garden, start now! I love to make lists of seeds and plants to look for in catalogs. A lot of seed, plants, and tuber sales start this time of year.

Winter Reading Recommendations

It’s a great time to read gardening books or any book for that matter! A couple of my favorite gardening books:

Until next month, happy planting!

Kari

Basile Senesi