And the garden grows...

I headed over to Native Nurseries today to check out their Organic Day workshops; saw a few friends—Herman and Louise of Turkey Hill Farm and Cynthia at Ladybird Organics—and a couple of faces I didn’t know. This latter fact made me the most happy, as it seems that the organic movement, though more complicated now than it was ten years ago, is gaining converts at an amazing rate.

I bought a couple of new plants for the Spirit Garden, too—an O’Toole’s Anise Hyssop and a red Bee Balm. They’re both spring and summer bloomers, and so are at the end of their showy cycle, but they are also both perennials, and so will hopefully just make themselves happy in the garden for the long term. I made a kind of mental note last year to start thinking long-term for the garden when I realized that it was pretty hard to maintain annuals and vegetables without a continuous presence. The herbs and flowers that are there now seem to really make sense.

I put the two new plants in the long bed near the main path, which is pretty near full now. I was thinking of starting some nasturtiums to fill in here and there though (because what WOULD I do without my favorite cool weather lovely?).

connection

I have been spending time in the garden for the past couple of weeks. A little bit at a time. Weeding and watering and just being there feeling her energy. Its such a blessing that we have this beautiful space there with to remind us of our connection to the earth and how much she provides for us.

I arrived yesterday and knew instantly Teresa had been there working hard that morning. So many weeds were gone and two beds were cleared. It was really exciting to see. While Teresa was out working hard I had been visiting the Turkey Hill folks at the farmers market to get some baby broccoli spouts for our garden. I was hoping to get some chard as well but it wasn't there yet. I headed over to Native nurseries as well and got a few herbs to add to the garden as well.

In the last week I have added some flowing sages and lemon balm. Yesterday I added a stevia plant, pineapple sage and some marigolds. I also planted the broccoli sprouts.

I love being able to add my energy to this amazing space and be able to see the results of the women who have been working in it. Its an amazing wondrous thing.

Welcome, fall

What became of summer in the Spirit Garden?, you might ask. Well, it was hot and sticky, and very few (but a couple) of our summer vegetables produced. The garden did not get as much love and attention as she deserved, though a handful of women worked steadily and with great care to keep her living things living. But this morning, while at the garden, I noticed the changing season in the air and felt that perhaps things would be turning again.

Sandi’s own spirit has been infused into the garden frequently and with beautiful results these past couple of weeks—you’ll notice several pretty new plants (including three lovely blooming sages), fewer weeds, and more mulch, all thanks to her. It never fails to surprise me how quickly and graciously the garden responds to such favors. Even if I hadn’t known Sandi had been there, I would have “known;” gardens, I think, are just like that.

I spent my hour and a half weeding with gusto; although there remains much unplanted material to pull and add to the compost pile, it felt great to be out there bending and stretching and walking with purpose. It also felt great to be back, knowing that we are entering my very favorite gardening season.

Welcome, fall. I feel and see good things coming…