“Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle…a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl.  And the anticipation nurtures our dream.”  – Barbara Winkler

January is dreaming time for gardeners.  The garden catalogs begin to arrive, or should I say ‘wish books.’  These wonderful wish books hold page after page of glorious blooms.  As we browse the pages of these books, our thoughts often turn to our gardens from the previous year.  Thoughts of what went wrong, what went right, what would work better, and we don’t fail for a minute to think of – what would be simply wonderful.  Garden dreaming is one of the many great joys of gardening, almost equal to the joy of seeing our dreams become reality.

The dreams of gardeners are a source of ongoing energy and certainly passion.  They are the motivation which keeps us fighting bugs, pulling weeds, feeding, watering and pruning.  Our dreams are nurtured by the beauty we have created.  That beauty is our reward for the many hours of hard work, love and devotion.  

In addition to dreaming, winter is also a time for us to enjoy the beauty of winter in our garden.  From inside our warm and cozy homes, we can gaze through the window upon our gardens and enjoy the way the snow bends and twirls the branches. And, the magnificent beauty of the naked tree branches, frozen and sparkling with ice crystals.

“Nature has undoubtedly mastered the art of winter gardening and even the most experienced gardener can learn from the unrestrained beauty around them.”  Vincent A. Simeone

Perhaps we may see and enjoy garden urns we filled just a few weeks ago with holiday greens… now dressed in white.  

Or we may imagine a wide variety of sweet song birds splashing in their bath when spring arrives.

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently?  And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.” –  The beautiful words of Lewis Carroll

In winter we rest.  Gardens and gardeners both need rest. Our senses are restored and nurtured as we think of the gorgeousness which will arrive in the days ahead.

                                                                                                                                                                               

“January is the quietest month in the garden… But just because it looks quiet doesn’t mean that nothing is happening.  The soil, open to the sky, absorbs the pure rainfall while microorganisms convert tilled-under fodder into usable nutrients for the next crop of plants.  The feasting earthworms tunnel along aerating the soil and preparing it to welcome the seeds and bare roots to come.” –  Rosalie Muller Wright

Most garden dreams thrive on hope and gardeners are a hopeful lot.  Our hope is reinforced each year by our successes and we we think in terms of another year regarding failures. We always keep dreaming, reading, learning and sharing.  And to me, sharing is one of the greatest joys of a garden.  There is no greater joy than cutting an armload of fabulous peonies for a child or sharing a beloved plant with a friend.  It truly makes my heart sing.

I hope you have a garden to gaze upon on these cold winter mornings.  If not, perhaps you are dreaming of one.

 

Thanks for visiting.  And, may your garden dreams become real ! 

“He who makes a garden walks hand-in-hand with God.” – Unknown

 

Au Revoir,

Sandra

 

Photos:  Pinterest