The healing balm of time spent in nature

While I was in New York a few weeks ago I spent a day walking around the farm. Favorite spots were visited while treasured memories were allowed to fill my mind and heart.

One such sight and memory was that of the yearly garden. As soon as it was warm and dry enough Doug would get out there plowing and discing in anticipation of the day when it was time to tuck the seeds into the soil. Ian and Melissa carry on the same tradition in a cycle that is as old as the expulsion of our first parents from the garden of Eden. (of course they didn't have any of the time saving devices we enjoy now.)

As I stood there watching Ian drive up and down the rows in a dance that is as timeless and as old as the first garden ever planted I couldn't help but feel Doug standing next to me smiling at our son. Doug patiently taught each one of the kids how to carefully and lovingly plant the seeds that would nourish the family in the coming winter. When the farm work was finished for the day we would all go out and weed our rows so that the vegetables had all the room they needed to grow.

However, working is not the only way to put down our own roots and thrive in the rich soil that we were blessed to tend. Plenty of time was spent in other pursuits.

How to tend the farm that fed and sustained us was another lesson that Papa passed down to his family. (grandma is the one who taught the boys that proper attire is also important.)

Though many of us no longer live on the farm and papa has passed out of this world, the lessons that he taught are still being lived. Jason and Mary-Kate build these raised beds so their ancient mother doesn't have to crawl on the ground. 

The broccoli likes it cool and shady so the sunflowers are tasked with keeping them cool while, hopefully, putting on a lovely show later in the summer.

Of course the squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons aren't to be left out of the garden. Although they need more space God has blessed us with the space and the know how to make them feel welcome in our yard.

 

This year Our Lady got a new coat of paint and a place of honor in our fledgling berry patch. I picture her, in the future, surrounded by bunches of juicy blackberries and raspberries.

MK is the expert at capturing rain for future dry days. Our home is surrounded by these rain barrels waiting to be filled by the Almighty.

The angels stand guard over the herbs and roses while they are praying their blessings upon all who enter.

Spinach, asparagus, kale, lettuce, and swiss chard all love the sun and heat. They are the warriors of our summer bounty standing in defense of hunger and illness. 

Every day some time is spent in the gardens. There are fancy words to describe the benefits of being out of doors but it all boils down to the fact that God built no structures in the garden.