A Time to Reset
I'm a consummate planner. I have lists of lists. And if I do something that isn't on my list – I write it down just so I can check it off! (Sound familiar?)
This week was all mapped out, from gardening projects to swims, gym sessions, and visits with friends. Then the snow started to fall. We live on a hill that always seems to be the last to be plowed and/or gritted so frankly we aren't going anywhere for a while, especially as our temperatures aren't forecast to get above freezing for a week.
Where will the path take you in 2022?
Yet there is a gift in the enforced stillness. Sitting here in my office I'm watching a spotted towhee, all fluffed up, nibble on berries outside my window while a bald eagle flies overhead, it's white head striking against the winter-blue sky. I can still get out for a walk and our golden retriever Molly is always happy to accompany me, taking delight in snuffling out the voles and moles doubtless tunneling under the snowy blanket.
And I can still plan. It's a good time to consider what flowers and vegetables I want to grow from seed this year. There were several five star successes last season that I'd like to repeat and it's always fun to try a few new things so now I can take the time to start that research. My favorite seed companies? Renee's Garden Seeds, Botanical Interests, Territorial, and Seeds of Change are always top of my list.
Winter allows us to slow down and consider the details such as the texture of a paperbark maple
I'm also planning my travel for 2022 because even though COVID appears to be hanging around, I'm as protected as I can be with vaccinations and boosters. I still intend to be sensible with regards to my own safety and that of others, but I'm ready to get on with life. My husband and I will celebrate our 35th anniversary next year so it seemed like the perfect excuse to book a trip to Hawaii – our first time there. I'm also thrilled that our garden tour to England is going ahead in June. We have just a couple of spots left if you'd like to join us for our 'Secret Gardens, Iconic Estates and Medieval Tales of Yorkshire and Derbyshire'. Follow the link for the itinerary and registration form – but don't delay as we anticipate they will go very quickly now that we can all see past the Holidays.
If international travel seems a bit too much for you, perhaps you'd like to join us for our tour of the Brandywine and Delaware Valleys in September? I'm currently fine-tuning the 2022 itinerary but you can see what we had originally planned as a taster. If you'd like to be notified of this or any of our other upcoming tours you can sign up to receive our travel notifications here.
The last thing on my planning list is putting together some new talks for 2022. I really enjoy sharing my love of gardening with others, especially now that talks are being booked in person once again, but even virtual presentations are a fun way to interact. You can find out more on my Events page.
What are you planning?
Are you in reset mode too? Do you have more gardening projects or changes in mind? New plants you want to try? Have you got any fun trips planned for 2022? I'd love to hear about them! Leave a comment below or send me an email.
Wishing you all a healthy and fulfilling New Year
Well, first, it's good to hear that you got snow–and it looks gorgeous! And, yes, it seems I'm always in the planning stage for something. Yesterday the first part of planting was "done"–they nearly ran out of daylight and couldn't keep up with what I placed to be planted, but my mind was constantly on the go with how to add to the remaining areas. I can't even keep up with my mind when I'm thinking about plants–and I'm always learning new things!
I thought of you when I wrote this post as I knew you'd be midst-renovation. Sounds like it's coming together though. Remember to enjoy the journey.
It seems that anyone who gardens seriously is looking ahead now. As usual, I set more goals than I accomplish, but that's part of the fun. I wrote this year's list in my last blog post (http://www.siteandinsight.com/goals-for-a-new-year/) but as soon as I posted it, I realized how many ideas I left out. So next week's post will be about those.
My major jobs are to continue work on Timelines, the trail that leads through fields and forests to explore ideas about history, memory and our relationship to the land. I've been making art installations for this trail for the last five years or so and it is a constant inspiration.
It sounds as though you have been and will continue to be busy! Good for you