FOR 2011, we entitled the UMass Garden Calendar 'Plants that Inspire'. One can define “inspire” as “to fill with enlivening or exalting emotion,” and to many people, plants do exactly that!

Sometimes, it is the look of amazement on the face of a young child as he or she plants a seed for the first time and sees the wonder of the first set of leaves sprouting and finally, experiences the success of growing their first sunflower or pumpkin! Another time, it might be a memory of a tree planted by a parent or grandparent that has become a source of shade for younger generations, the first flower seen in spring after a long, cold winter, or the blazing fall colors of trees and shrubs. Sometimes, inspiration is given by the ebullient color or fragrance of summer annuals, the tall, towering tree in a winter landscape, tomatoes ripening on the vine, or perhaps, the sharing of perennials or a garden harvest with friends and family. Whatever, the reason, it goes without saying, that plants are a part of everyone’s life and impact all of us on a daily basis.

This year's Garden Calendar showcases a variety of plants that each inspired their respective photographer/author. It is a collection of images that includes everything from annual flowers and vegetables to perennials and woody plants. Plants do not have to be rare, exotic, or expensive to create that element of delight and inspiration. Plants make the “world a better place” simply by being part of our lives.

A brief description accompanies each plant photo to help understand these plant choices. As in previous calendars, daily gardening tips provide information on garden pests and management strategies to help gardeners reduce pesticide usage as well as “how-to and when” tips such as dates to plant peas, renovate lawns, prune and fertilize roses, and conserve water in the landscape, and many more.

Perhaps a motto for these challenging times, when the economy and the environment are threatened, would be “Plant a plant, become inspired”.