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Set goals despite moles

Gardening: the year ahead.

After the dust settles on tonight's excesses, it will be time to make plans for the coming year. You might solemnly prepare a well-thought-out schedule, as advocated by an 18th-century gardening enthusiast. "Thinking is of more service on carrying on of all business than is commonly considered or practised in our country," wrote Cockburn of Ormiston to his gardener on January, 3, 1744, and the sentiment rings just as true today. The gardener was given little chance of thinking for himself as he ploughed through his master's endless and petty instructions, but we are free to do so.