Nature & Seasons - grace grits and gardening

beach time

June 8, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

It’s been too long since I’ve walked in sand, but I did just that on Monday. And Tuesday. I’m in Florida for three book events (!), and my primary goal (other than the book events) is to accomplish some writing. So far I’ve done a decent job of it. I wrote lots of words for several hours while tropical storm Colin moved over. But then the rain stopped and the air felt fresh and clean and the clouds parted and, well, I headed to the beach.

Turns out, Laguna Beach is a hop, skip, and a jump from my cute little beach house.

Writing time or beach time?Continue Reading

a certain slant of sunlight…

April 17, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

I know right off when the day is destined to be a good one. I can tell by the slant of sunlight through my kitchen window. This simple ray of sunshine, as yellow as the apples it shines upon, sends me working out into the yard all day long. The world could turn upside down and I’d be fine as long as I’m busy in the garden.

That was yesterday and yesterday was my favorite sort of day. A trip to the nursery and lots of digging in the dirt. Today I feel the ache in my back. It’s a good ache—the ache of transplanting hostas and moving around day lilies. Sometimes plants need to be relocated. Sometimes I think I must do it for the feel of it.Continue Reading

Spring Planting!

April 12, 2016 By Talya Tate Boerner

I love driving across Arkansas during spring. In the Ozarks, redbuds and dogwoods compete for attention, and roadsides are exploding with wildflowers. Spring planting is in full swing as farmers and gardeners put seeds in the ground. It’s no secret that harvest is my favorite time of year, but after a slow cold winter, spring planting is cause for celebration. Not that there’s time for a party.

Party in the field, maybe.

Of course, without spring planting, there would be no fall harvest. And timing is key. With spring comes wild weather bringing storms and hail, tornadoes, dust storms, a chance of frost? Rain, rain go away until we need another shower.

The soil is rich and wide awake, the fields leveled and hipped. The state is humming.

Here are a few spring planting pics from across Arkansas…Continue Reading