The Glory of Spring!
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” ― Margaret Atwood, Bluebeard's Egg
It always begins with temperature fluctuations. One day it is warm enough to tease the crocuses and tulips to peek out of their winter covering. Another day, the cold air flows and brushes the grass and fledgling blossoms with white lacy flakes. Then we get a week of moderate temperature and start getting out the garden tools and planning for what plants we shall plant. People get busy building their raised garden plots, and others begin organizing their garden tools. We get excited! “It’s HERE!” Until it’s not when a cold front cascades down from our Northern neighbors. Well, this goes on for a few weeks until Lady Spring, in all her feminist power, takes over for good!
The bulb flowers finally trust the weather enough to lift their heads high in colors only God can create! The tulips, the daffodils, the hyacinths, and many more. The grass and dandelions brighten in sync with each other. Then one day, you hear a lawn mower! Yes! We head to the garden store and fill our car with mulch, soil, grass seed, and showy annuals!
We garb ourselves with gardening clothes accessorized with gloves, holey shoes, and floppy hats to deter the sun and the bugs. Now we are ready to go out and greet our gardening neighbors. Oh, the stories we will tell about the plans for our yards this year! The joy of Spring is about to exhilarate you!
Our gardens need us to be sure. We prepare the soil and tenderly seed or plant the tiny marigold that will turn into a bush! We always sneak out to peek at our “babies,” and we water and weed. But, as we toil, our gardens nourish us.
The aromas and fragrances of the outdoors are aromatic cleaners for the body and soul.
And scientifically and specifically, soil is an antidepressant.
Working our gardens is an activity that arouses our complete mindfulness. We feel connected to the Earth, and God, and the continuous fabric of the universe. Once you get started, you don’t want to stop. The exertion is enthralling. Remember learning about the eras and cultures for whom gardening meant life? We are part of an enormous human family. Enjoy your relationship with Mother Earth!
“Let’s get smelly in the dirt! Shall we?”