Keeping it real
As we emerge slowly but surely into spring, and hopefully kinder, warmer days after the seemingly relentless wetness of this winter past, it’s time to blossom and grow. Time to enjoy the benefit of longer daylight hours and enhanced energy levels (hopefully, if the rain stops) to aid us in our excited planning and planting for the year ahead.
I love this time of year and the promise of the season to come. The anticipation, the time spent outdoors, the greater opportunities for connection and enjoyment of the space that we call ours to garden in - there is so much hope to be found therein.
There is also much enjoyment to find in reaching out to others. Gardening is always more fun when it’s not just a completely solitary pursuit. Even if it’s just to moan about how awful the weather has been these past few months, reaching out to others even in some small way can be useful and feel very good. A community allotment, neighbours, friends and family encouraged to get involved, a local gardening group - all these can provide a fantastic source of support and local advice. Even a visit to the garden centre, which no doubt many of us will be doing with gusto this Easter, can often result in excited chatter and the sharing of ideas. It is all part of the fun.
For me, working a few days a month on community gardening projects is also important. It’s incredibly enjoyable for one thing, grounding also - in every sense - and reminds me every time why I do what I do. There’s nothing like clearing a bed of weeds with my volunteers and then planting for the year ahead on behalf of others, to make you feel connected and invested in your community and its future. Along with all your lovely letters and emails an
