Sweet Gabriel came home from school today with a newly sprouted apple seed. Eager to plant it, we traversed the entire yard looking for just the right spot where it would neither get mowed or plucked out with the weeds. “It has to be next to the grass,” Gabe informed me, “so that we can lay down under the branches and peek through to see the blue sky.”
A tiny seed can grow to be a big tree.
Ah my darling, blessed boy– I didn’t have the heart to tell him that he would have children by the time this little seed had great wide branches. But really, what better reason to plant the seed?
We are having glorious perfect spring weather and in an effort to make up for lost time we’ve been spending the last few days in the garden. Pruning, weeding and mulching always makes me wax philosophical…
No matter how long and cold the winter; Spring comes, it always comes.
Even healthy beautiful branches need to be pruned if you want your tree to produce good fruit. An overburdened tree struggles just to hold up it’s own limbs.
If you want a beautiful garden– prepare to get messy! Manure really makes things grow.
Weeds are inevitable. Some have shallow roots and can be easily pulled out, but other weeds have a network of roots deep underground and take a lifetime of yanking, digging and prayer.
It is far better to plant a tiny seedling in deep, rich soil than a big plant in hard, barren ground.
Sometimes you can plant the perfect plant in the perfect spot and it will still die. Don’t sweat it. Rip it out of there and move on.
Enjoy the fruits of your labors.
A garden is never “done”; it is always a work in progress.
Hire help.
No one garden can grow it all. Do your best, grow what you love and get out and admire the gardens of others.
The work you do in your own little yard will bless the world now and for generations to come.
jess
mmm… so deep. my favorite: “no matter how long and cold the winter; Spring comes, it always comes.” needed to hear that one today. makes me want to garden. (now if only i had a yard…)
Christie
Gorgeous pics, as always. What lens do you use those shots?
Bonnie
Those are beautiful pics! Love it. That’s a great message.
Kennyf
A late spring is always hard, so much more labor in a shorter period of time. I like your optimistic view and love the photos.
Chelle
I really love a good garden metaphor. And this was a good one. The pictures were such a nice bonus, too. As always.