Oh how antsy we are for Spring 2022 to arrive in full! This morning it was 12 degrees and blowing snow, and YET ... we have miniature Teddy Bear Sunflowers blooming in the Deep Winter Greenhouse and a few marigolds that give me hope SPRING WILL COME! Some of the daffodils outside were starting to peak above the soil when the snow had melted, the deer came along and nibbled on those (even though they DON'T LIKE THEM) and then more snow came and covered them up again.
Gardeners are the true believers in Spring and Summer trusting that the seasons' cycles will indeed continue, planting seeds for starters as though all will be well - no doubts. I've seeded lots of prairie flowers like Purple Prairie Clover and Dogbane (and soon Cardinal Flower, Spotted Touch Me Not and Prairie Smoke), along with LOTS of cottage garden style flowers: Forget Me Nots, Echinacea, Snapdragons, Zinnias, Tassel Flower, Salpiglossis, Lavendar, Gomphrena, Cockscomb, Alyssum, Lemon Mint, Strawflowers, Red Zinger Hibiscus, Vining Petunia, Ox-Eye Sunflower, and more! And a few veggies & herbs like peppers, tomatoes, basil, rosemary, thyme (more to come as we get closer to planting time outside).
The bird activity continues to increase as the migratory birds slowly return: Sandhill Cranes, Geese, Swans, the many varieties of Swallows and Finches, Robins and more. I heard a woman at the grocery store mention she even saw a Cardinal already. And, of course, those die-hard ticks are out already too - so SPRING MUST INDEED BE COMING! Ahhhhh, good ole' Minnesota!
So, all that said, I do hope you'll join us for Earth Day on Friday, April 22, 10-11am (rain, shine or ... snow) on the Labyrinth in the woods for a group walk/meditation to express gratitude for the Earth along with being mindful of loving, protecting and caring for the Earth in ways that are healing and nurturing to help repair damage we've done over the years for our own purposes.
It is time we slowed down and realized we are one of many living beings on this Earth, not better than or less than any other life form here. This Earth sustains and continues to share its abundance and we need to give back in greater abundance to make up for past mistakes. We are partners among all living beings, let us be grateful and act accordingly. (You may also come walk the labyrinth solo on Earth Day from 11am-6pm if you choose.)
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