Garden Faerie: Try something new in your garden and in your life in 2011

I've never been much into houseplants, even though I've grown them from the time I was 14. It's just that I spill soil and water and don't have a lot of room indoors. And I really believe in plants well-adapted to a region, and, generally, that means being able to survive outside over winter.

There are exceptions, like my Norfolk Island pine, which is my Christmas tree. And my super cute 'Illustris' elephant ears from Old House Gardens. And my tomatoes which I had to plant indoors because the seeds started sprouting when I left them in water too long, and it was plant 'em or lose 'em.

This year, I planted my first roses, and I'm growing my first orchid. On new year's day, I will sow my bonsai maple. It feels a little weird and, frankly, a little unnerving to be treading on this new high-maintenance plant ground.

The point is, it's never too late to try something new or to change your perception of yourself. Or, for that matter, to reinforce your perception of yourself. And I've decided next year will be all about that.

In 2011, I resolve to keep trying new things, living honestly with an open heart and being unafraid to be who I am. I'm calling it "wackiness," but you can think of it any way you want.

Just get out there and try something new, in gardening and in life. Who's with me?

Monica Milla, the Garden Faerie, is a master gardener volunteer, garden speaker, garden coach and author of "Fun with Winter Seed Sowing."