It seems to me, and maybe you feel the same, that a day is not complete without some time spent outdoors. Even if all you do is walk around and look at the garden or take a walk down the street that time is invaluable. Today I went around the yard looking at the garden, the greenhouse project, the deck, the rocks around the garden beds, the ornamental sweet potato hiding from the frosts behind the hollies, whatever my eyes happen to gaze upon. There was no rhyme or reason to it but throughout the walk informal lists were being made. No pictures were taken, the camera was left inside. Sometimes it’s better that way. I could look at things and think without trying to form a post in my head about the pictures. Many good posts can be made from just a few good photos. It really is amazing how pictures can drive a blog, but that’s not the point of this post. Now what was the point of this post? Maybe the point is just … everything. Getting outside, breathing the fresh air, enjoying the garden, taking time to evaluate what is there, what isn’t and taking time to stop and think.
When the days are so perfect, temperatures in the 60s and 70s, warm sun shining and a cool breeze blowing it’s hard for me to imagine not spending some time outside. I watched as lady beetles climbed over the frost singed caryopteris. I checked a set of hinges I purchased to make sure they would fit my greenhouse doors. I watched as the plumes of ornamental grass waved in the wind of a breezy November day. I meandered through the yard several times taking note of the changes that fall brought. The leaves have nearly fallen off the maples but the redbuds and Bradford pears are still hanging onto a whole lot of green. A few minutes spent outdoors with no purpose is the point, is the purpose. Maybe that seems a bit philosophical but I think you know what I mean. In those peaceful moments when you release any preconceived notions of accomplishing a task, doing a chore, or working on a project you see clearer, think better, and begin to relax and really enjoy the garden.
A day really isn’t complete without time in the garden. What do you think?
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To my thinking the garden is my day. I always love to just walk around looking & thinking what I could do to make it more pleasing.
Absolutely, however once the Snow accumulates, I don't get out so much. Just to fill the feeders, etc. (My garden isn't doing anything, anyway!) However, the flowers indoors tide me over – as well as the Plans for Spring. 🙂
Great post, Dave! I'm totally with you. Between the greenhouse, backyard birds, outdoor cats, chickens, and dog, we're destined to go outside every day anyway. It's the stopping, listening, and looking that really makes the time well spent! Thanks for a great reminder.