JOY IN THE MORNING
Daily Joy is what I would call my morning walk. Most days, I have the opportunity to walk at daybreak to greet the day. Observing what new gift nature has placed along my path. I cannot properly describe how much I anticipate the daily gifts which are revealed as the day begins to unfold.
Gathering some of the gifts along the way, allow me to create a memory of the morning stroll. These random blooms, buds, and leaves capture the days moments that bring me joy. I gather just enough to create a small bouquet. Sometimes, I just admire these gifts from afar, hoping that they will greet me the next day.
My garden also brings me daily joy. I planted this Tartarian Aster in a 4-inch pot a few years ago. I would always notice the foliage increasing in girth, but never noticed the blooms. As we endure this moment of unintentional pausing, I noticed more than just the blooms. Monarchs and other pollinators pause and create quite a noticeable stir. I sit back and watch in amazement.
I noticed an eggplant, tucked in a pot, and left to grow with total abandon. No fertilizer, no supplemental watering, and yet, the tenth eggplant of the season was growing quite well. I remembered the string bean experiment. Two five-gallon buckets with soil and planted with seeds of string beans were overflowing with foliage. I checked daily for a pod or two and then simply left them alone.
Much to my surprise, I harvested seven from one bucket and five from the other. Talk about unexpected daily joy! I am not ready for my summer fun to end, so I will leave the beans alone, check them at least once a week until frost.
One thing I have realized as I gardened this summer and as I visited gardens that have been understaffed as well. Sometimes, we just need to leave the garden alone. The unkempt garden whether on purpose or by accident can bring unexpected joy. Allowing the garden to just be, also gives us the opportunity to revel in the naturalness of the garden. I am not suggesting that anyone give in to the weeds. However, letting go of perfection in the garden just might be the ‘thing’ to bring you joy. A weed is merely a plant out of place. Are you taking the time to pause and allow the garden to bring you joy or are you on eternal weed patrol?
I love hearing about the joy that the garden shares. The sound of joy in my sister’s voice, as she shares the excitement of seeing a butterfly. The abundance of life embracing her from her garden is such a gift. The butterflies presented quite the show as she ate her lunch outside.
My sister is a new Gardener. The garden has helped heal her sorrow after being the primary caretaker for my parents. I look at it as a gift from my parents, knowing she would need something to occupy her mind. After the loss of her husband this past Spring, she became quiet and I worried. I advised her to go into the garden…no one sees your tears there. She did. The daisies were 5 feet tall – seriously taller than her – the mums bloomed early (that was Dad…lol) and she TRULY doesn’t need another Hydrangea…for REAL! The joy of hearing about her garden experiences and how she is “finished”, not ordering any more plants, make me laugh. She has said she was finished for the past three years. Most seasoned gardeners know…the garden is never finished.
WHAT THE GARDEN SHARES
The garden keeps all of our secrets, it is the best confidant ever. Sit in the garden from time ..pause and observe the life found in the garden daily, if you can.
The garden is powerful. It can distract us with surprises from the tiniest bloom, a colorful bug, to finding an empty space that needs a plant.
The garden is a healer in so many ways. However, if you don’t visit the garden to enjoy it, you will never realize it’s power.
There is so much that we can learn from the garden. Are YOU open to learning the benefits of the garden? Have you realized the joy found in the garden?
Wandering aimlessly, looking for more gifts that bring me joy in the garden!
Teri – Cottage In The Court
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