A Whisper of What Is on the Horizon

The last week of February with its ever-changing temperatures gives rise to visons of what will come. Although we will surely see more winter weather, we have recently been blessed with a few warmer days that give us a twinge of early spring fever.

Even though the sun may not shine as brightly as we would like, the warmer temperatures, no matter how briefly they last, give us a burst of energy. After feeling lethargic on the cold days this brief respite makes us want to take advantage of each moment.

Last fall there were many flowers that bloomed well into November and beyond. Even after a couple of snow falls, one lone Snap Dragon and several wildflowers blessed us with their beauty into early December. And then they were buried under winter's snow and cold.

As the winter rains continued to melt the snow, the remnants of these flowers eventually appeared from their hiding place. At this point they were soggy and sad looking, and in desperate need of removal. Recently, it has been as if they were whispering for help to leave the place winter ended their extended season.

It was an invitation that I could not refuse. On a warm morning I pulled out my wheelbarrow and gardening gloves and headed out into the fresh air. I cleaned out the dried, dead flowers and felt alive once again as I had my hands in the dirt. Next, I moved on to the herbs and freed them from their sad, dry remnants from last year. My soul was filled with joy and thankful for what Mother Nature provided to me for a short while.

More winter snow will cover these gardens in the next several weeks, but it cannot take away this brief respite. These spring snows (or poor man's manure) will feed the soil in preparation for the next growing season. We may be a few months away from planting, but at least we know we are on the "downhill" side. This recent whisper of spring will make the wait just a bit more tolerable.