This week’s snowfall let me know winter is upon us, even though my calendar suggests it has not “officially” arrived. Thus my season of “anticipation” begins. As I look out my office window, mounds of snow cover my pond and gardens. Tips of rock and shrubs peek out from the enormous blanket of snow. Won’t be seeing glimpses of green until April now. The snow gives a stillness and lovely sense of quiet to my gardens. Looking out on this change of season offers me many lessons.
Between rising in the morning and retiring at night, we pretty much spend most of our day preparing for something! This is so true with our gardens. We prepare for growth and prepare for the harvest as well as the winter rest. Despite our hurried pace of life around us, particularly during this time of year, our gardens remind us about the importance of rest…be still, enjoy the luxury of quiet time. All that we can do is done. We now must wait and anticipate the joy of the season to come.
Patience….a valuable element in gardening and even more important in life. As I watch the incessant pace of this season, particularly in the culture of shopping…couldn’t we all use a bit more of that? Gardens certainly will require that in volumes! Perhaps in the new year, introducing garden practices to a broader audience can teach those skills in our fast paced drive-thru culture.
Healing and Hope…..our gardens give us many opportunities to experience this…..moving waters and all season blooms give rise to genuine experiences of life through many storms.
The value of work ethic….getting your hands dirty in gardening sure will limit your manicures! And a day in the garden can yield some aches in places you never dreamed possible. But what a glorious feeling to be outdoors, move, breath and enjoy the health and beauty of this labor.
As you look out on your winter gardens, ponder the possibilities of the new year. Not only in your own little plot, but in the bigger scheme…how can you share this joy with others? Wishing all a Merry Christmas, the Happiest of Holidays and Health in the New Year. The Garden Goddess will be off to share the traditions of the season with family and friends…but will be back week of January 6th for a NEW YEAR of Garden Sense and Sustainability!
