I stare out my window at the thankfully melting snow and realize how much I neglected my garden last fall. Gangly sunflowers poke out through the frozen slush along with the coneflowers, their last seeds pecked away by the long gone goldfinches in autumn.
My time is compressed. It's sandwiched between the things I used to have time for and caring for mom. I can't recall the moment I just let things go. Perhaps it was the early snow. It saddens me, but also energizes me that it is time to take things back. I will squeek it out to get back to remembering who I am and dig in the dirt. Time to shake off the winter blues and learn to say no sometimes. Our time on this earth is also limited and I intend to get as much dirt as I can under my chewed-up, stressed out nails as I can.
I want mud between my toes and a sunburn on my back and to feel alive as only gardening can do, at least for me.
And someday, late June, to sit back and marvel at the beauty. That is my goal. To take a little bit of normal back again.
I have my husband and son chuck them into the cornfield behind us. Sorry Mr. Farmer. But yes, they do turn into those glorious Sphinx moths. It seems there's a trade off in everything.
Now if we're talking tomato hornworm caterpillars, those I can do without. Big and ugly, but they do turn into the Sphinx moth that can fool one into thinking they're hummingbirds. Nature is so cool!
Hugs to you and your hubby for a great gardening season this year!
Sounds like you'll have some yummy food with those eggs and more yummy food from their start in the shells. Happy gardening!
This year I plan to build some 3 foot high vegetable garden beds, so that we can grow people food. Since my husband uses a wheelchair now, he can sit outside, and maybe even help a little, with planting, watering and harvesting. In any case, It will relax me and provide some fresh produce.
I'm so glad to hear all the different plans to work with the soil. It's so healing for us because, despite this very long winter, spring will come.
Going to bed and dealing with dog/mom issues in the morning. I'm excited to talk about this stuff tomorrow. Good to 'see' you!
Ralph Waldo Emerson, I love that quote.
One is nearer God's heart in a garden then anywhere else on earth!
Anyone can start some lawn grass seeds in a sunny window. A fun one is to crack an egg in half, saving the shell. Use a marker to make a funny face on the shell knowing the shell will be the container for funny 'hair'. Fill the shell with soil medium, get it wet, and plant grass seed on top. It will grow 'hair'. It's fun to watch the progress of the hair. Some have competitions. LOL Some even style their hair. Love growing things. Any other ideas?