Heart stepping stone & Rudbeckia flowers
Anytime I feel worried, distracted or stressed out, the garden is my refuge. As my husband and I shelter at home, we, like many of you, have found solace outdoors and in observing the creatures with whom we share our garden.
This week I have experienced sunshine on my brow, wind whipping at my neck, and what looked like a giant bean bag had exploded over the yard (an unexpected hail storm). Just experiencing the beauty and variety of changing spring weather firsthand reminds me that I’m alive, that I have so much to be grateful for.
In nurturing other living things–from houseplants to spring bulbs, to seedlings to mason bees to compost (yes, compost is alive–very alive!), we nurture ourselves. When its hard to concentrate or absorb things intellectually and emotionally, gardening grounds us.
I am thankful that I have a garden space, the physical ability and free time to work outside, and so many kind gardening friends who share the love of plants. My wish for you during this difficult time–that you can give yourself some self-care time in the garden.
To read fascinating research by UW Professor Kathleen Wolf and others: “that nature experiences provide an antidote to stress and support general wellness, offering restorative experiences that ease the mind and heal the body”, check out Green Cities: Good Health webpage
