Last spring, I was greedy for growth, and failed to cut back and pinch back where I should have. The result was a bit of a garden mess. This spring, I will show no mercy. Be warned sedums, helianthus and Joe Pye weed. I am coming for you.

Last summer, I tore up one of my beds and started over because I saw a garden that I coveted. Not this year. I will try to love my garden for its own self and be content with its appearance.

Last fall, I took the big step of enrolling in a Master Gardener's program under the University of Maryland Extension. I learned that I could still learn, and I resolve to take another garden-related course in 2011.

I didn't mulch last spring. I thought 27 years of wood chips was enough for one garden, so I gave mine the year off. It was a mistake. The weeds were unbelievable, and I had trouble maintaining hydration in the sunny gardens.

I resolve to weed in the winter. I learned that certain weeds are "winter annuals," and they will survive the cold and flourish in the spring.

I resolve not to buy any plants unless I have already selected an appropriate place for it, and no more rescuing dying plants off the sale table because the price is so attractive.

And finally, I resolve to thank my DH more often and more sincerely for the help he gives me in the garden.