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"We all get the same 365 days, the difference is what we do with them." ~ Hillary DePiano Happy New Year…. we made it! There is no denying that 2020 was a force to be reckoned with, from earthquakes, fires, political races, COVID-19, the vaccine for COVID, and the rise of Tik-Tok, etc. I find it humbling to realize that nearly everyone wishes that things could go back to exactly how they were, and I feel it is safe to say that we are all looking forward to a kinder, gentler 2021. For all the gardening gurus, I checked with the infamous Rogers Gardens for their suggestions on what to do in our So California January Gardens and here are their suggestions: Many cool-season annuals can be planted this month. Some choices for sun include pansies, violas, Iceland poppies, stock, English daisy, linaria, flowering cabbage, flowering kale and the 'Bloomingdale' series of ranunculus. • In some shade try English, fairy or Chinese primrose, bedding cyclamen or cineraria. • Because of their quick growth and heavy flowering potential, annuals need more fertilizing than most other outdoor plants in the garden. • Keep deadheading (removing spent flowers) from annuals to help them continue blooming abundantly. • Fill in any bare spots in your annual beds or containers with transplants. • Azaleas are forming buds at the tips of their branches. Feed them aggressively with a high phosphorus fertilizer from now until they are finished blooming (then switch to a standard "azalea" or "acid" fertilizer). And it is a good time to plant them. • Bearded iris will be slowly pushing out new growth, while last year's growth fades away. If you pay close attention, you will even notice the gradual transition of last year's foliage slowly giving way to the new growth of this year. Remove the outer (older) leaves as they turn completely brown by giving them a gentle tug. • Purchase summer blooming bulbs. The "second bulb season" in southern California includes such favorites as dahlia, tuberous begonia, gladiolus, caladium, calla, canna, tuberose, most true lilies and Mexican shell flower (tigridia). These dormant bulbs, rhizomes, tubers, and corms arrive at nurseries during the second half of the month. It is a bit too early to plant some of these but buy them from your plant and garden store now while the supply is good. • It is not unusual for Paperwhite narcissus in the garden to be in bloom in January (or even earlier), although most narcissus won't be flowering for another month or two. • Start planting gladiolus and lilies as well. And remember the Gardeners recipe is one part soil, two parts water, three parts wishful thinking…. The Empress of Dirt. Until we meet again in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom, stay healthy and be safe. For membership contact Sherry Case at (951) 533-3584 or Linda Powers at (951) 769-3101. For fruit harvesting contact Judy Garth at (951) 797-3130. For general information contact: President, Pam Mikkelsen at (951) 797-3080. Happy Gardening. Garden Club 38 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2021 | Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time.