written by Emma Harmon
One of the biggest surprises I experienced when I began gardening was how much I enjoy the garden in every season. Each change in weather brings a new way to view my plants: seeing the vibrant colors after a fresh spring rain, the grasses swaying on a breezy summer evening, the quiet calm after the first frost. I take a walk around my small suburban yard at least once a day, most days of the year. There’s always something to see!
Gardening has brought a feeling of gratefulness for the cycles of nature that I have never felt before. I know that it all has a purpose and a rhythm. It’s beautiful to witness and to feel the feeling of hope that this brings. Native gardening has strengthened this feeling tenfold. I’m proud of the small sanctuary I’ve created.
It’s so fun to watch the birds flock to my little patch of coneflowers in the fall. And my goldenrod was the place to be for every bee in mid September. I like to imagine that some of them are hibernating below the surface in that area right now, and I can’t wait to welcome them back in the spring.
So, here’s to enjoying your native gardens in every season. I hope you are able to see the beauty and the purpose that native plants can bring to your yard, no matter how small.