Easter Sunday is past yet we’re still in the Easter
season in our church, a time we consider growth and renewal. It’s fitting that
Easter occurs in springtime. At least that’s my take on it, though it may not
match in other parts of the globe, with climate and different seasons.
I love watching the garden come to life, with leaves
opening, buds on trees and then the early flowers appearing. First the crocuses
and later the tulips and daffodils. Cheery yellow daffodils and pink tulips are among my
favourites. After the white chill of winter, I’m ready for colour in my garden
again. And ready for the season of gardening all over again.
This past week I took some new photos of my flowerbeds
and posted several on my Facebook page. Friends say, “Already?” or “Is that
this year already?” and I can reply, “Yes, it is.”
Mind you, there are weeds to contend with in spring, shrubs
to be cut back and some clean-up to do, but it’s all part of the package of
gardening. The lawn got its first haircut, and I’ve pulled some weeds from
places. My husband gave the shrubs a seasonal trim; quite a trim, I might add.
Lots of room for growth there.
After rooting out the plants that are overgrown or
done and replacing them with new ones, I can sit back and enjoy the refreshed
garden and watch it grow further. Perennials are the easiest to grow and tend,
when the plant is matched to soil and conditions. They flourish in the right
place, just as we do.
Making some changes for this year, I’ll dig out a few
plants where ants have built a new hill. Those busy little insects have
transplanted their home across the sidewalk after we rousted out the old one
last year. We have sandy soil, and ants like sand. We may not rid the garden of
ants entirely and that’s okay, as long as they don’t take over. My garden will
never be perfect lines and precision, only pleasing to the eye and colourful.
After all, it is nature which is sometimes a little wild around the edges, just
like its caretaker.
I look forward to planting the vegetable garden later this
month, hopefully with the help of our two oldest granddaughters who like to dig the holes and water. We’ll have a conversation about the plants we want to grow. They’ll
come by to help plant the garden and then, from time to time, for a visit and
help to tend the garden—mostly with the watering can. Then we wait and watch
until it’s time to harvest whatever we’ve grown.
Think of Jesus’ resurrection and the opportunity of
grace that we may start fresh each day in our Christian walk. Like spring and the
promise of new growth, like the routing out of things that don’t serve our
purpose anymore. Maybe not a brand new purpose, since we may have already
believed and hoped in the risen Christ, but a renewal of sorts, like the earth
giving forth new life.
photos by C. Wilker
2 comments:
What a beautiful spring flower garden, already! Hmm, and despite heavy rain and some frost-tinged mornings, too. Then there are those other lovely flowers lending Grandma a hand with the work.
And, Carolyn, surely you'll sometimes hear, "Oh, she's just like her Grandma; she looks exactly like Carolyn did at that age!" :) I appreciate your spiritual life application. Thanks. ~~+~~
"They flourish in the right place, just as we do."
Love this! Isn't that the truth and what a lovely, encouraging post that bids us some wonderful anticipation. I was in my garden this morning, tackling the weeds, appreciating the sunshine, the little frog who popped by, the worms, and the opportunity gardening affords for giving thanks to the Creator!
Nicely written and great photos, Carolyn!
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