To Be A Gardener

I can tend to write in a very romantic way when it comes to gardening. How else could you and what’s wrong with that? I guess for the person who isn’t a gardener it seems quite strange but I think anyone who spends any amount of time outside has found that the poetic sentiments of Robbert Frost or Mary Oliver to be true. Sure there are hundreds of poets out there that speak of the grandness that connects nature and ourselves in the cycle of which we call our lives, but those are the two that come to mind. Actually, hold please while I grab a few books out of my poetry section, I think I’ll give you an examples of their pleas to notice.

The thing about being out in the garden or spending more time enjoying nature around us is that it frees our mind and activates that child like wonder that still lives in each one of us. There is a poem by Robert Frost that I have marked in one of his books called “Atmosphere” and I thought I would share with you.

Atmosphere

(Inscription for a garden wall)

By Robert Frost

  “Winds blow the open grassy places bleak;

But where this old wall burns a sunny cheek,

They eddy over it too toppling week

To blow the earth or anything self-clear;

Moisture and color and odor thicken here.

The hours of daylight gather atmosphere.”

There is a breaking of senses that I found as I have worked in the garden for 10 years that happens to one. “The hours of daylight gather atmosphere” is one of aroma and nostalgia for me that brings my mind incredibly present. You can feel this viscerally as your heart began to slow its beating and your fingers began to notice the rough stem of the wildflower or the smoothness of a sweat pea. It hits unapologetically the fresh turned soil, earthy, pungent tones and the light breeze caring the sweetness of the lilac bush. I never quite get over it all, from the comfort of loose soil under my bare feet to the sounds of the of the birds graciously almost just for me. This is where I love to spend my time.

All of that to say, I have spring fever and I can’t wait to get in the garden! Are you a gardener? Share about your garden and your plans for this season. Also if you're a hopeless romantic like me, share some of your favorite poetry as well and what you love about gardening.

Until next week, bye bye.

Enjoy some happenings in the flower garden so far this spring!