Hazelnut Reflections

in the garden

Donhas a post today about his garden as it makes the transition from summer to fall.

This was my first extended gardening summer. I've kept a few things alive in pots every now and then, most notably one fall at Seabury, trying to keep some poor green things alive between the frost on the window and the blaring steam of the radiator (clank, clank). This summer was the first time I ever had space and time to really try my hand at gardening.

Our "garden" is an enclosed concrete courtyard between the house and the garage. Everything had to go in pots. A few things I learned:

I overestimated my ability to care for plants through the summer. I started off very intent on watering daily and checking leaves. I have to admit, I had too many plants and not enough experience to care for all of them. The fact is, though, that most of what I planted did make it through the summer. Resolution for next summer: more drought tolerant, sun happy plants.

Don's post struck me because I did notice the change in the garden as the summer went along, from the heavy fertile greenery of the high summer, even in the dry climate, to the sense now of the garden enjoying its last burst, its turn inward as plants sense the change in the quality and angle of the sun.

What I most appreciated about gardening was how much I felt connected to the change in seasons, to the weather. I think our Christian life is about feeling more connected to the people and places around us, to not feel more or less than part of creation itself. A summer in the garden has helped me grow along that path, and for that I am thankful.

posted by Emily @ 11:15 AM