The darkest days of the year.
I have a bench on the plot made by my great friend Frank King. In this quietude there, I hear the echoes of literary musings I know that describe the cycle of life and growth. With one day of morning frost so far this Winter, 106 is a mixture of soil, dormant beds, over wintering crops and the skeletons of spent plants. Yet, within this stillness lies a sanctuary for introspection. Winter offers a chance to pause and look back on the year's harvests, the efforts, the triumphs, and even the lessons learned. Words like Henry David Thoreau's, "I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders," remind me of the hidden promise within the dormant soil. Peering through fog my thoughts shift to Spring. The anticipation of nurturing new life, planting seeds, and witnessing the garden awaken from its wintry slumber. In these moments, the words of Frances Hodgson Burnett resonate deeply: "When the spring comes, I am going to bring it things to make its branches draggle with bloom." Envisioning vibrant blooms, verdant patches, and the symphony of life that will soon grace the once barren beds is a comfort against the dampness. 106, a canvas for aspirations, not only nurtures plants but also feeds my sense of purpose. Each bed, every seed sown, and every weed vanquished, contributes to accomplishment. Quoting Wendell Berry, "The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all, our most pleasing responsibility." Amidst the toil of work and life, allotments become a sanctuary for wellbeing and friendships. Earthy scent. The gentle rustle of leaves. The chorus of birdsong. A smiling face. All create a symphony that nourishes the soul. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Nature always wears the colours of the spirit." On 106 I find not just a garden but a reflection of life's journey - with its quiet moments of reflection, the anticipation of new beginnings, the joy of achievement, and the profound sense of wellbeing nurtured by Nature's embrace.
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AuthorI launched this website on 16th August 2020 to bring together my thoughts on gardening,, its importance for health and wellbeing and two projects running concurrently, a renovation of my own garden on the West Sussex coast at Lancing and a nearby allotment. But also to learn from other gardeners about the inspirations for their plots, about their gardening projects and enjoyment of beautiful plants and gardens Archives
February 2024
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