Rain and other Easter meditations

Traveling to family today for an Easter brunch left me only a couple of hours in the garden...so I cleared some winter detritus, and finished the re-configuration of my now slightly shrunken garden. On our way, it began to rain-a miserable,cold, gloomy rain typical of our early spring days. I am glad for the rain,though, because I finally managed to get some corn gluten for the front yard (via a recommendation from that yogi of all things organically grown, Mike McGrath), and the stuff needed to get watered in. So I was supposed to water the stuff in, but looking out a couple of days ago I had an idea that it might rain soon, so I didn't bother.

All this is by way of saying I am counting my blessings during this Holy season,  not the least of which is the ability to go outside,into my own front or back yard, and dig in my own dirt while listening to birds and looking at the sky. A list of very rare privileges compared to many fellow humans both near and far.

Gardening Fashion

One of the many advantages of having a garden is it gives me an excuse to put on my ancient-est pair of jeans, my long softest t-shirt, and generally dress in a manner that would appall the fashionistas. Not that I am ever a prime example of the Vogue lady,you understand.
Today I am working on a slight reduction of my garden, anticipating a rather full schedule in the late summer. Moving some fence,installing some new picket( thanks to a generous birthday present) , and      some yard cleanup.the result: dirt under my fingernails, sweat under my arms, and a pitiful need for a nap. Who said gardening was fun? I did.

It's Spring 2013!

Well, it's spring time again. Time to dig in the mud,clear out the weeds and clear out the head,too.  It is still fairly cool here in southern jersey, but I still work up an honest -to-goodness sweat clearing out the garden and getting ready to plant. I am still growing organically, and especially this year want to prevent weeds so I can be sure to have time for the beach!

Advise about how to garden is legion and overwhelming. But as I have written in past blogs, the plants keep on growing whether you know a lot or a little. Find a sunny spot that doesn't puddle in the rain, plant a couple of heirloom seeds and reward yourself with a libation or some good chocolate!

 A packet of seeds costs about a dollar or two, so for a couple of bucks you get exercise,sunshine,fresh air and possible tomatoes to boot!Get out there.