Wandering into Spring
By Emillie Rose
As Spring is fast approaching, we feel the readiness in our bodies to venture out again and experience the new growth in the environment around us, as we ourselves are also ready to grow into this new year. I say we embrace this feeling of growth in any way we can. Whether it means spending more time in your own backyard (or if you’re like me, looking out over a balcony) and seeing the way your everyday view changes, envisioning what projects you could cultivate in your own space, practicing the art of wandering, or watching new life blossom.
Seedling breaking from the soil
Depending on where you live, you may have grown accustomed over the last few months to seeing your property covered in snow, slush, or ice. As this starts to melt away, we can start imagining what we want this space to look like in the coming year. Maybe you start to plan which vegetables to grow this season, or try growing something that you haven’t before, like a pollinator meadow.
Upland meadow
For those of us who planted perennial gardens, we will start to see our plants re-emerge. This season also gives us a chance to plan new projects in our space. It’s the perfect time to get that raised bed you’ve been needing built, start construction on a food forest, or purchase seeds for a new garden or meadow! This all starts by becoming familiar with your space again as it goes through changes.
Raised garden beds
I find that one of the best ways to adjust to the changing days and environment around us is by wandering. In our busy day-to-day lives, we so often miss out on the tiny details around us. The art of wandering is simply trusting yourself. Take a step outside and let your mind go blank (easier said than done, I know).
Spring flowers
Rather than walking with a direct goal, just go in the direction of whatever piques your interest. Take some time to observe an interesting looking plant or even stare down at the ground! There are so many wonderful small things to notice, and they create a greater understanding of the way our space works.
Water droplet on young lupine
We can find inspiration and energy for this next season by seeing all the new life that’s blossoming alongside us. Whether we see mushrooms beginning to break from the ground, hear birds calling out to one another as they bring food back to their nest, notice the local mother fox taking her kits out at dawn, or watch those first buds break open on the trees. We may even see something growing that we haven’t before or get our first sighting of a migratory bird.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Spring marks a fresh start, for us to make new plans and try new things, so let’s share those moments together!