When the Going Gets Tough, Go Outside
The last couple of months I have been going through personal issues which have pulled me in several directions. I’ve take a break form being social on the internet, blogging and my biggest mistake, from my garden. There have been other things to attend to with family and friend crisis. I’ve had every excuse not to take the time to go outside: it’s cold, it’s wet, the garden is dormant. This has not been mentally healthy for me. Since when did cold and wet bother me? When is a habitat garden ever dormant, really??
Two days ago I finally stepped back outside and within minutes was completely engrossed in tiny issues. A birdhouse should be moved to a better spot, some litter needed cleaning, limbs have fallen, geeze this plant got winter scorch and needs to be moved…the to-do list was instantly long and filled with busy details. Why did I take a break? It was a bad idea. For the first time in a few months my mind had quieted down and I was feeling happy and peaceful. I will not be making that mistake again. When things get tough I need to be outside and find my center once more.
A happy discovery I made was some tiny crocus on my woods floor. The canopy in my woods has been overburdened for years, it was full of Chinese privet and honeysuckle, choking out anything that could grow floor or even mid-level. I’ve spent two years thinning and cleaning and there have been no crocus blossoms before. My reward was a teeny, tiny flower, a small gem saying thank you and welcome back to the woods. There was a touch of peace waiting for me in my garden.
What a lovely little crocus, and such a welcome sign of spring. I’m the same, when my mind races, or I’m stressed or worried, a few hours outside, either in the garden, or walking our woods is more effective than another form of ‘therapy’ I can think of. I don’t think habitat gardens ever are dormant. I’ve been amazed this winter at the abundant life I’ve found growing here, even when the gardens were still sleeping.
Welcome back! Your woods must be so happy that you’ve given them some breathing room. And they’ve given you a gift in return. What a beautiful little crocus!
Welcome back, we missed you! Isn’t it amazing how rejuvenating it can be to get out in the garden….and it sounds as though your hard work removing all those invasives will be paying off this year. I am betting that you’ll be seeing some native plants popping up to say “ahhh, thanks for giving us back our habitat” soon!
I have a few nice natives coming around. I’m lucky that I can get so excited about such small things. I’d wish that happiness on anyone.
I’m glad you’re back..I’ve missed you!
Amazing how after all of the big jobs are completed the smallest reward of a single bloom is what touches us the deepest. Brand new beginnings..beautiful!