En​chanted Nature

 Then there are the shrubs and trees that will also provide us with sensational visual and olfactory pleasure. In spring, our landscape will be emblazoned with vibrant yellow from the hundreds of Forsythia that we have planted. Lilacs (which I adore), Viburnum Carlesi (the fragrance reminds me of my grandmothers garden), Mock Orange, Azaleas, Grapes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Kerria, Mountain Laurel... on and on! Dogwoods, Magnolias, Peaches, Pears, Apples, etc...The excitement and anticipation is already bubbling up as I type this article.

    In addition to avoiding/controlling invasive species, we hope to re-establish native plants and wildflowers in our area. A great deal of poor land management has gone on in the past leading to a decline in wildflower populations. By increasing the wildflower density on our property, hopefully nature will spread them to the surrounding forest. It is a true gift humans have been given that we can partner with nature to become co-creators. Hiking through a forest or park is wonderful, but there is something very intimate about burying seeds, establishing plants, and working with the Earth.

   The older I get the more I try to genuinely appreciate every season, including winter. Being naturalists, like us, you all focus on the seasonal details like changes in the temperature, the constellations at night, the plants around us, animal behavior, and everything that each time of year brings. Hopefully that focus is accompanied with appreciation and joy.

After all how many springs do we get? How many summers, autumns, and winters?

ENJOY every one of them!