Before the Spring rains came, we enjoyed a few warm days. We took advantage of the sunshine to accomplish a lot of work in our yard and to introduce the chicks to the world outside their brooder box.
We have owned this home for less than two years. The list of projects to make it truly ours is long. When we moved in the yard was an unfenced plot of dirt, weeds and overgrown junipers. Now, we have grass, swings, a garden. This weekend I planted twenty five feet of raspberries and a big batch of hops. The radish and lettuce seeds are sprouting. In a few days I'll sow wildflowers.
As I turn new soil into our beds, I notice how the lavender gives off it's heady aroma when I brush against it, even though the flowers have yet to blossom. I discover tiny leaves on plants I didn't think survived the winter. The chickens have snacked on the tender shoots of the hostas.
It is a welcome surprise to discover that I enjoy working in my little piece of earth. I find immense satisfaction in tending tiny seedlings, caring for what grows here, while listening to the laughter of my children and the peeping of our chickens. The plants awaken from their long Winter sleep and unfurl their tiny leaves. I anticipate a putting up healthy crop of rhubarb. I welcome the rain.
Next year, I'll turn rich homegrown compost into our soil. Next year, we'll build more garden beds. Next year, there will be less dirt and more flowers. We have shared a common vision of our yard from the start. Now it begins to take shape. I accept that Winter in the High Desert is long and cold and Summer will be here and gone in a few months. I will savor the sweetness of it's brevity.
This post was worth the wait.
Posted by: Edub | May 19, 2011 at 09:17 AM