By Monica Rylski & Gardening by the Cay
Hello Garden Friends. We are surrounded by beauty, and our world is filled with endless wonder. We gain a new perspective when we spend time outdoors and reflect on its rhythm, timing, and harmony. Nature is a grand classroom where class is always in session. There are layers upon layers of lessons we can apply to our lives when we look closely.
Consider flowers growing freely in a field. There is no to-do list and no rush. They are given patient time, and grace to grow. There is no pressure to perform or have the most petals. There is no competition with the other shapes and sizes. Each flower type adds value, is unique, and has remarkable beauty. Flowers showcase the diversity of all the colors of the rainbow. These gardens are a work of art.
Nature has known all along that each curated flower will cheerfully bloom in its season with its intricate design and for its creative purpose. Each seed is a baby plant protected by a hard outer shell. The embryo has a root that will grow into the ground, a shoot where the first true leaves grow above the ground, and seed leaves for its initial food source. The roots are refreshed when it rains and anchor deep to draw nutrients. The leaves gather light to make food and get energy. Flowers gain strength and grow towards the sparkling sunlight. They are like arrows pointing to the sky, reminding us to look up.
There are priceless seeds within us, too. They are planted just below the surface in our lives. These seeds survived everything and have not been dismantled. They are ready to receive warmth from the sun and thirst for fresh water so they can expand. These resilient seeds grow when they become grounded and rooted. They can finally break through because they have the depth needed to flourish above. The wind will carry away the seed’s shell, allowing it to grow to full maturity. Then, we come full circle by multiplying and releasing the next generation of seeds. These gardens are a work of heart.
The present is the perfect moment for these buried seeds to transform and come alive. Just like flowers, we are provided with time, space, and resources to thrive. There is anticipation with each new bud and happiness with each small growth. Oh, the joy when we witness petals unfolding and opening to the sun above. The aroma from a full bloom is a delight to the one who sowed the seed.
We are all connected, and there is a strength in that connection. Likewise, we are connected to nature because it has cradled, nurtured, and provided for us with air, water, sustenance, and sunlight. With all the beauty that has ever been created, it was missing one piece to complete the divine masterpiece … You. It’s love at first bloom.
