The soil, surprisingly warm, feels of spring.
New ferns, bright green and vigorous, are root bound, holding tight to their plastic containers. Last year’s tired ferns easily pop from the winter dirt. Transplanted to a less conspicuous spot in the back yard, I will nurse them back to health.
Red dianthus and sweet alyssum, how I’ve missed you.
The dogs follow me sniffing the rose food I spoon into the earth.
Vondee iris, tall and strong, will soon bloom.
From my monster rosemary bush, I trim cuttings, poking each into dirt with a splash of root stimulator. As though I need more rosemary…
I drink coffee from the porch swing, savoring this moment, this first day of gardening. By nine a.m. the temperature is already in the mid-fifties—a perfect afternoon awaits. A mourning dove sings. She knows too.
I smile at the potting soil packed underneath my fingernails.
talya
Musical Pairings:
Lauralew says
Great word picture, Talya. Wish I was there with you to help you dig!
Talya Tate Boerner says
Me too Laura! That would be so much fun.
Colene says
Nice!
Julie{isCocoandCocoa} says
Pretty! My husband is the gardener at our house but I try to help. I can’t wait until we start getting the garden ready.
menopausal mama says
Beautiful site you have here. I love gardening, too. Our backyard is a certified Wildlife Sanctuary–and my place of serenity. Just wanted to stop by and say thanks for the comment you left on my site today.
Patricia A. Laster says
46 degrees this Saturday morning in Central AR, but a day away with writing friends/colleagues precludes any gardening. Maybe after DST kicks in…………. xo
Dorothy Latimer Johnson says
Sounds like a lovely day! This weather is calling me outside, too.
Joyce Lansky says
I’m glad you’re able to nurse plants back to health. I end up killing them.
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com
Lana88 says
Thank you so much for sharing this at my little blog hop and for following me! There is truly nothing that can take your cares away like digging deep in the pure, raw dirt. Gotcha followed! 😉