I’m not really one for new year resolutions. They always seem so…demoralising. As a family we write down things we’d like to do, seal them with candle wax then open them on December 31 the following year.

And while they’re not exactly resolutions they can still be pretty depressing. “Make bread every day” has been appearing on my list with boring regularity.

Still, I think I do need some gardening ones. A sort of kick up the bum, if you like. Let’s face it, when it comes to horticultural matters, I think I could do with one. So here’s my list:

1. Get organised. I really am. I am going to note exactly what I plant and when and where. If someone asks me about a stunning dahlia I can say “it is isn’t it, it’s a…..” and actually sound like I know what I’m talking about.
2. Utilise my greenhouse more. It’s fine when it’s full of tomato plants but come the late autumn it just acts as a glorified shed but no more! I am going to make it earn it’s keep.
3. Stop thinking and start doing: Every year it’s the same. I think “need to plant these bulbs/order these seeds” and I leave it to the last minute, or even not at all. I think I know why. If I don’t do it I can’t fail. Hmmmm.
4. Learn about propagating. I know next to nothing and I really feel I should know more. Carol Klein will be my role model.
5. Actually create the front and back gardens that I want. This is a biggie. It is also not something that I can do in a year, not unless I win the lottery. But it is something I desperately need to do.
6. Probably discard this list. Really, gardening should be enjoyable, not stressful. It should, on no account, be taken too seriously.

That’s the key I think – I shall look on this list (if I ever refer to it again) as a Would be Lovely To Do rather than Not-To-Be-Broken-Resolutions. Have you made any this year?