Dirt

[vaneramos]

bitterlawngnome has essentially given me the run of his garden while he travels this spring. Since last fall, when I tore down the ricketty grape arbour and cleared some brush, there is a lot of bare soil. It's an empty palette.

It occurred to me yesterday as I began pulling up tree seedlings: I'm seldom happier than when my hands are in dirt. I ought to remember this fact, easily obscured by apartment living. I recall countless spring and summer days I spent as a teenager planning and planting an herb garden, vegetable garden and rock garden in different corners of my parents' property. I set up the rockery on the edge of the bluff overlooking Lake Erie, hidden from the house. It was one of many personal sanctuaries I created.

Speaking of recollection, the flower in this icon is Sempervivum, which means "always living". I watched for it every summer along the street where I lived until last summer. It has become for me a symbol of remembrance.

The backyard here in Toronto gets lots of sun. I'm considering planting some things that wouldn't get enough light, heat or elbow room in the little plot behind my apartment building.

Comments

[pippasporch.livejournal.com]

Something to add to your list of no-expense joys, Van! =)

The strong symbolism flowers can take on never comes through clearer than when I see a plumbago. Every single time I see one covered in light blue flowers - they're outdoor shrubs here - I am reminded of you - that is some powerful branding you've created with your default photo. Now it will never be different for me. It's all good.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Aw, that is a wonderful thought! The poor little plant I bought last fall has not fared so well in my dry apartment over the winter, but it is still alive so hopefully I can rejuvenate it.

As for gardening, yes, it was on the list! Of course, I must avoid the temptation to go buy new plants and so on without planning and budgeting.