With age, it seems, comes self-awareness. We become aware of our strengths as well as our weaknesses. Our likes become more apparent as well as our dislikes. Our ability to verbalize what we need to feel comfortable, even happy, may also grow with time. Control. I have come to realize for me to feel comfortable, it often boils down to control. A calendar that is filled with professional and personal obligations make me happy. A to do list gives me a sense of purpose. Knowing when, where, and how my day will play out gives me mental clarity. These days, the eraser on my pencil is getting more use than the lead as I am continually eliminating items out of my calendar.
As we all work together to protect ourselves, each other, our community, our society, the nation and the world, there are fewer and fewer items that are in our control. Lunch out at a restaurant with a friend – cancelled. Family gathering to celebrate a college graduation – cancelled. Vacation that has been planned for months – flights, hotel rooms and tours – obliterated. Grocery shopping trip – a once mundane task, seems concerning. Because there are now so many, many things out of our control, what is left that is within our control? It seems to me what we can control are our own actions within and around our own homes.
Where do we start? Personally, I started with a walk. Although I might have fully appreciated their beauty, the trees are starting to bud. The blue sky didn’t seem quite so blue, but I saw it with my slightly swollen and squinty eyes. The gorgeous vitamin d rich sun light shone down upon the worried frown lines on my face. We can’t control nature per se, but it is there for us and we can control our interaction with it.
I encourage you to please consider leaning on nature for a bit during this turbulent time. Yes, pay very close attention to the recommendations of our State and Federal government, but then, when possible, focus for a while on the natural beauty that surrounds you. Working outside in the yard is tremendously therapeutic. The mixture of the fresh air and physical activity can be very calming. Yes, sometimes the weeds can be frustrating, but even those can be tamed with time.
Here is a list of gardening activities that should be tackled in the Spring.
• Rake and remove the prior year’s foliage from perennial flowers, as necessary.
• Remove any weeds. Unfortunately, they can start growing early.
• Evaluate the trees on your property. Consider selectively prune branches that are touching. each other or coming too close to your home. Also prune any branches that may have broken during the winter months.
• Summer and fall blooming perennial flowers can and in some cases should be divided.
• Study your landscaping. Note any plants that you do not like and consider removing them.
• Summer and fall blooming shrubs may be pruned now.
• Evergreen shrubs may also be pruned now.
• Prune spring blooming shrubs after they are done blooming.
• Plan then plant a few containers of vegetables or flowers .
• Install a rain gauge. Most gardens benefit from about 1” of water per week.
• Plant a few plants that make you happy. We all need a bit of happiness right now!
As the Irish Proverb states, “If you do not sow in the spring you will not reap in the autumn.”
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com.. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
