What a difference a year can make.

Let me start by asking you a question. Do you remember what your New Year’s resolution was last year? Did you make it happen?

At the Adams County Extension Service we made one simple resolution, to make a bigger impact on area youth through expanded educational and service opportunities.

In the last year we have been able to hire two additional employees specifically for youth development programs. Perhaps the most notable program started by the Extension Service is the Adams County Junior Leadership Program which has provided service, social and leadership opportunities for high school aged youth.

In addition we have taken all the necessary steps to initiate a shooting sports program to offer safety training along with competitive shooting in the disciplines: shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader and rifle. We have expanded our nutrition education programs for the younger kids in elementary school along with more programs promoting healthy lifestyles.

This combined with great community clubs, hunters safety camps, conservation field days, wildlife camps and school programs allows us to work with a large multitude of youth each year and hopefully this year we can continue to increase these programs and continue to molding tomorrow’s leaders today.

Q. Is now a good time to start changing the landscape for the spring?

A. Now is not the best time to do any type of heavy dirt work around the house or yard. This is a question we get every year when it comes to lawn renovation. After the new year people get enthusiastic and begin wanting to make big changes to enhance their home. Making changes in the landscape in the winter will usually leave you with a lot of mud to track in the house a not so pleasing landscape to view for several months. Mud does become a problem with all the rain and sod is not a good option this late in the year and you probably missed out on planting rye grass.

However the good thing about getting excited about making an impact in the spring is you have plenty of time to correct problems. Every spring we start receiving calls about poor plant performance generally resulting from poor growing conditions. Therefore now can be the time to take soil sample for those areas that were under performing last year. It takes a few months to incorporate additives like lime or organic material into the soil. So if you want to save yourself some work and help your landscape investment perform better you can start by thinking about last year’s problem now and prepare for the future.

Q. When should I make changes in my landscape plants and shrubs?

A. Obviously you can add new plant and ornamental features any time of the year. One common comment we hear is “my yards look significantly different from spring through fall and into winter.” This can sometimes be good but it is often said with negative implications. However once spring and summer kick in we forget about our winter concerns and it is not until this time next year when you will say “I wish I would have changed some things.” So if there is something you despise about your winter landscape make notes now so you can go back in the spring, summer, or fall when it is not freezing and wet and make the necessary changes to make your home a showcase next winter.

David Carter is the director of the Adams County Extensions Service. He can be reached at 601-445-8201.