As the winter solstice approaches, we go to bed in the dark and wake up in the dark.  Nights are long and cold. You may think that the garden is done for the year. Out of sight, out of mind. But, it’s the perfect time to curl up in front of the fire or space heater with a cup of something hot and think about your previous garden. How did it go? What worked, what didn’t? Did you have a list of goals? Make notes.  

Winter’s also the perfect time to dream about next year’s garden and landscape. Whether you want to fix a problem or try something new, now is the time to act. What about that spot in your yard where water accumulates… or that stubborn bare patch that is supposed to be your lush front lawn? Maybe it’s time to do a little water management by building a swale and berm to direct water away from wet spots and toward dry spots.

Or, try something new. Do you want to add a berry patch to your yard or plant a fruit tree and build a food forest? How about a kitchen garden for salad greens and herbs? Are you tired of mowing your lawn? How about transforming it into a wildflower meadow for the bees and butterflies? You can also plant a backyard orchard that produces baskets of home-grown organic fruits and berries. Or, keep the conventional landscape look while incorporating the same useful and productive fruits, nuts, berries and native flowers. Dream a little. Don’t wait until April or May to plan your project and order your plants.

Winter is a great time to arrange a consultation with Bear Creek Organics’ Richard Mitchell. 

Richie can troubleshoot your problem areas and plan your new projects. Plants and seeds can sell out early; don’t wait until spring to place your order. Richie can help you find the perfect plants for your berry patch or food forest or kitchen garden. Whether they are from his own greenhouse or sourced from local growers, Richie can help you find the perfect varieties for our area’s growing conditions. Start planning with him ‘asap.’ Waiting until the last minute will increase your chance of missing another growing season.

Each year, Bear Creek Organics creates custom edible landscapes for many happy clients. Many are now enjoying bountiful organic harvests of their favorite fruits, berries, nuts, vegetables and herbs. They succeed because they start planning with Richie early in the year and understand that edible landscaping is a fruitful journey. If the right steps are taken, you, too, will enjoy bountiful organic harvests from your own home.

To learn more about working with Bear Creek Organics, visit their website BearCreekOrganics.com and fill out the 'Contact Us' section at the bottom.  You can also find interesting content, pictures of past projects and new updates on their Facebook page.  (Please do not contact them using Facebook Messenger.)