The Lessons of Winter

Winter has been one of the seasons with which I have had the most struggle. Because I have always found the outdoors a place where I spend so much time, almost as another room in my home, having a season where I was disconnected from that place, from that room, has always been difficult. Of course, the weather has never been so cold that I could not spend time outdoors, but the weather is cold enough that one cannot spend time outdoors for very long. And there is not much to do in the garden with all of the garden dwellers taking their winter nap--resting for that graceful emergence in spring. Things always appear so dull and lifeless. And the only time I could see the beauty of the winter landscape was when the snow covered everything in its sparkling and magical coat. In my neck of the woods, the snow does not appear often nor remain for very long. So, I would spend much of my winter indoors separated from the room which I love so dearly and long for so much.

Beth of Plant Postings hosts Lessons Learned for all the seasons, and so I offer some lessons learned about winter.

Breathing Lessons

My breath could tell a story all its own. When I am frightened, my breath is shallow, slow, stale. When I am excited, my breath is like a pant--quick, uneven, unpredictable. With calmness and relaxation comes a breath that is even and full, open and free. As each moment of each day unfolds, there is a breath that accompanies it. There is a breath that resists or a breath that embraces. And, inevitably, there is a lesson--a breathing lesson. These breaths reflect the lessons I learn in the garden.

One of the most marked events this year in the garden has been the alternate weather. Our weather has not followed its usual pattern with a cold, perhaps snowy, winter and a warmer, but still cool, spring. Instead, we have had an unseasonably warm winter. The ground never froze and hardened, and as spring arrived it was very warm with temperatures sometimes reaching the 90's.

Mother Nature's Garden Lessons Learned

Over this summer season, I have learned many lessons from the garden. Each season teaches me more about plants, diseases, pests, soil, wildlife, and landscape design. Having gardened for about 30 years, I find the garden never ceases to amaze, entertain, inspire, and teach me. I think that is one of the many reasons I find it interesting and continue to make time for it in my life. The need to create is very strong in my soul, and although the garden does not fulfill all my needs in that area, it does offer great artistic challenges and beautiful satisfaction. It also fulfills my need to solve problems. There is almost nothing more satisfying than finding a natural method to deter a plant pest or prevent a disease.

No matter how much I have learned this season, the most profound lessons have been from Mother Nature herself. She has taught me some new lessons and deepened my understanding in other areas. Through her natural rhythm, she has demonstrated the beauty and delicate details of new life. Her continuous bounty and overwhelming burst of colors and textures breeds a gratitude that is deserving of contemplation. And her power and strength is not always a pleasant or welcome visitor but warrants reverence and regard, nonetheless.

Protection

On several occasions this summer season, I have witnessed and indirectly cared for several bird nestlings and fledglings.

Flying Practice with the Wrens

Growing Up...Cardinal

Sometimes it is difficult to know where the boundaries should be or when or when not to interfere in a wild bird's fate. Watching from afar and protecting from a distance is the best possible gift I can give any wild animal for whom I choose to offer care. Mostly, I watched these very small, almost featherless, beings grow to strong and capable birds that now fly through and around my garden, eating insects and providing me with periodic glimpses.

Having somewhat participated in their care gives me even more incentive to protect them and do nothing that would harm them. I feel closer to them and want nothing more than their health and happiness.

Appreciation

Although I have, from time to time, looked at my garden with awe and gratitude, I certainly do not do it often enough.

Garden Love

There is a tremendous amount of work that went into each garden bed, each plant's care, and the overall design. I am not a professional, by no means, but I have worked very, very hard to create a garden that offers shelter, food, and water to wildlife--and beauty and respite to us.

This year, I found some time to stop planning and doing---and sit and appreciate the garden for its astonishing resilience and unrefined charm. Most of its beauty comes from nature. I am merely the planner, the mover, and the arranger.

Respect, Trust, and Acceptance

This season has brought its share of natural disasters. Severe thunderstorms, earthquakes, and hurricanes have had their way with my garden.

Searching for the Tranquil Garden

After Every Storm The Sun Will Smile...

Besides the damage and loss, I think the worrying has been the most distressing. Feeling that sense of unease and feeling helpless are not good conditions for a gardener who takes on the role of sentinel. Regardless of what role I believe I must play, mother nature is the one in whom I should place my trust.

Hurricane-damaged Butterfly Weed

It does me or my garden no good to hold on so tightly to the way things are that I become distressed.

Young sprouts...

She is the true guardian of my garden, and it is for me to work with her--no matter what changes she decides to make.

Life does not flow along in a stale and stagnant manner, and so, the garden never remains the same.

Please take a stroll over to PlantPostings to see what other gardeners have learned this season. I am also joining in Hope Grows Day at Sweet Bean Gardening.

I am joining An Oregon Cottage for her Best of 2011 Tuesday Garden Party.

©Michelle A. Potter