in no rush

field notes & flute song

It rained and rained. I waited. Each day these past weeks brought new shades of green to the landscape as I watched for clouds to clear.

Patience settled over me too. I was reminded this year — there’s no rush. I can’t say it’s always felt that way in spring time, but this year, I’m loving that feeling and reminder from the plants.

For about a week, I took all the plant seedlings from the basement shelves under the lights, to a shaded spot outdoors daily. Each morning — each one being prepared and acclimating to new conditions, with more time spent with the elements.

After watching the Lavender plants make a comeback from Winter (weather and deer) I didn’t have to replace as many plants as I had expected. While the one and two year old plants are still on their way back to form, the new babes are settling into rocky and sandy soil that I offered in each hole. Another season of experimental growing with lavender.

Lavender next to Peonies

There’s been a reminder scheduled daily in my notes to “check peonies.” The tight, closed buds swell into a soft, marshmallow feeling flower, and before they open completely, the plan is to harvest and store these blooms in the fridge to time their opening just right for weddings at Forest & Flowers in May and June. By the time you read this, I wouldn’t be surprised if the first Peonies are opening.

Did you know Ants and Peonies seem to have a mutual relationship? Peony flowers provide food (nectar) for ants and in turn, the ants protect the blossoms from other floral feeding insects since ants are territorial and will defend their food source.

I started playing a Native American style flute this past Winter. I’ve always loved the sound of this instrument, and learning to play has been an intuitive and fun exploration. For flute song from the front porch at the Forest & Flowers Retreat House, listen in below.

May you take each day this season as it comes
Each sunshine and rain
May you know in your bones there is no rush here
No rush anywhere 
As roots settle and rain falls
As each ant crawls
Each bloom
One moment 
Don't miss the flower when it opens

Peonies & Lavender

Eastern Blue Star, Allium, Dogwood

Azalea, Woodland Garden

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