Quote of the Day: John Muir
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
I can’t help but thing about John Muir and his writings when I’m in a national park, especially one that he spent a lot of time in.
Yesterday, Mr Chiots and I went bike riding in Acadia National Park. In the morning, the roads were closed to car traffic, which made for a wonderful time. When the roads opened back up we drove the loop to get in all the wonderful scenery, stopping at places we hadn’t on previous trips.
You really can’t help but be in awe of nature when you are in places like this. When we garden we try to create beauty in our little corner of the world, but it really is at its best when left alone. We’re lucky to have such a treasure so close to our home.
What’s your favorite national park?
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Quote of the Day: Michael Nolan
“There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart…pursue those.”
~ Michael Nolan
This time of year I’m reminded of why I love gardening so much. It clears the mind, it fills the heart, it restores the spirit. This past winter I spent a lot of time reading novels instead of gardening books, while I enjoyed them, they don’t feed my heart like dreaming about gardens does.
What catches your heart?
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Quote of the Day: Leo Tolstoy
“Meanwhile spring came on, beautiful and kindly, without the delays and trattorias of spring, – one of those rare springs in which plants, beasts, and man rejoice alike.”
Leo Tolstoy in Anna Karanina
The last couple days have been perfect, simply perfect. I’ve been working outside trying to get as much done as I can. Soon enough the mosquitoes and the black flies will be out making it a little less enjoyable to work in the garden. Even though it was long in coming, this spring has been heavenly so far.
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Quote of the Day: Marilynne Robinson
“Sometimes I have loved the peacefulness of an ordinary Sunday. It is like standing in a newly planted garden after a warm rain. You can feel the silent and invisible life. All it needs from you is that you take care not to trample on it.”
Marilynne Robinson in Gilead
I often watch the weather and plant my seeds right before it’s supposed to rain. I like that they get watered in right away and I always hope it speeds germination. This is what I’m feeling this week, the peaceful patience of waiting for seeds to germinate and grow. The radishes I planted last week are just springing forth, very soon I will start to see spinach, arugula, cilantro, onions, beets, and a few other seedling emerging from the soil.
What seeds have you planted this week?
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Quote of the Day: Spring
“When spring came, after that hard winter, one could not get enough of the nimble air. Every morning I wakened with a fresh consciousness that winter was over. There were none of the signs of spring for which I used to watch in Virginia, no budding woods, or blooming gardens. There was only–spring itself; the throb of it, the light restlessness, the vital essence of it everywhere; in the sky, in the swift clouds, in the pale sunshine, and in the warm, high wind–rising suddenly, sinking suddenly, impulsively and playful like a big puppy that pawed you and then lay down to be petted. If I had been tossed down blindfolded on that red prairie, I should have known in was spring.”
Willa Cather – My Antonia
It’s amazing how the different seasons really do have a different feel to them. Winter kept clawing to stick around, but finally spring was able to overcome. All of a sudden there is birdsong in the air and the smell of earth rises up to meet you as walk around. There are tiny bits of green showing through the dull brown grass. Insects can be seen fluttering about in the sunshine. You can almost feel it in the air.
What do you notice most when spring arrives in your garden? smell? sight? warmth?
