Funny, I did the same, planted flowers and cleaned the winter out of the backyard. The dog is wondering what happened with his smells… and birds will soon start to teach their chicks to fly. I have a pair of robins, one of cardinals and many sparrows. Blue jays come only when I put out food! The squirrels sabotaged my marigolds but I put some red pepper powder and they will stop digging. The black cherry is in flower and smells fantastic, in the evening is nice to have a drink on the porch, under two oaks, planted by the squirrels!
You are right, a pause from the madness is required, these imbeciles take out everything, including our power to think! For now, later we’ll skin them alive, I hope.
I love the gardening analogy. An avid gardener myself who has been neglecting everything in favor of being politically educated and active, you have inspired me to tend to the beauty in my own garden for today, at least.
What a wonderful piece. I’m in the process of prepping my garden space for planting. The veg seed germination and seedling care is being done by my brother; I’m in charge of proving food (re: flowers) for the pollinators and designing the herb/veg garden - what goes with what to get the best results. While the garden space will feed three families, it also clears my mind of the daily chaos. Not sure I can look at it the same way now that I’ve read your excellent piece. 😂
I found myself in a hole and found this a therapeutic piece to write Barb, my budding relationship with the Robin is fascinating. Whenever I’m around it seems like I’m invisibility ringing the dinner bell.
It will likely take me most of the summer to realise vision I have for the space, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. - Martin
So true about the middle class. Life getting so expensive now and the rich just get richer everyday. Government only help big corporations and forget normal working people. We need real change not just promises.
So very glad to read that you have taken up gardening! I did the same thing years ago, and it is what has kept me sane through all of the current madness. You should never feel obligated to write anything for anyone. I think your audience is just as happy with short form posts of any kind. And you should certainly not feel obligated to do even that! I loved reading about your plans for propagation. You have chosen the best life path ever and it will keep you well grounded. We are all rooted in nature. May you and your garden flourish!
Love your passion for gardening . I grew up in the countryside, surrounded by corn fields , horses in the neighbors pasture , and a view of cows grazing and foxes playing in fields beyond. We had a big vegetable garden, and every fruit tree that grew in Pennsylvania. The garden was a great passion of my parents and was spoiled by the best, freshest fruits and vegetables so I have great appreciation for Mother Earth . There is that distinct pleasure of seeing your plants producing flowers or food as you nurture them along . The scientists say that digging in the soil with your hands is therapeutic and it has a name … Grounding .
Personally , I think dirty hands, knees and sometimes faces are symbolic of humility and humanity . If you can’t get down and dirty , you have to examine your ego . Oh and one other important benefit … it keeps you SANE 😂😂😂😂 . Keep digging Martin , get dirty and you will never need a psychiatrist 😂😂😂. Great column 👍🏼
To some folks it’s gardening others artistic appreciation and other may be of a more physical in nature,ie-bicycling or hiking or music,pets for others still. Too much attention on current political issues IS depressing. 🐞🐓🥀🌞🍉🫛🚴🎻🛠️🔭🪅📚🏕️🎨🍽️🌝
Funny, I did the same, planted flowers and cleaned the winter out of the backyard. The dog is wondering what happened with his smells… and birds will soon start to teach their chicks to fly. I have a pair of robins, one of cardinals and many sparrows. Blue jays come only when I put out food! The squirrels sabotaged my marigolds but I put some red pepper powder and they will stop digging. The black cherry is in flower and smells fantastic, in the evening is nice to have a drink on the porch, under two oaks, planted by the squirrels!
You are right, a pause from the madness is required, these imbeciles take out everything, including our power to think! For now, later we’ll skin them alive, I hope.
I absolutely loved this today - thank you !💙💙
Glad you enjoyed it Nickie, it was a different angle - Martin
I love the gardening analogy. An avid gardener myself who has been neglecting everything in favor of being politically educated and active, you have inspired me to tend to the beauty in my own garden for today, at least.
Glad to have inspired my friend
Plants indoors or out are such good therapy. I started on my yard during Trump and now I have my sunroom almost filled to capacity.
🐝 🪦 millions of flowers…Zero bees. 🌺
What a wonderful piece. I’m in the process of prepping my garden space for planting. The veg seed germination and seedling care is being done by my brother; I’m in charge of proving food (re: flowers) for the pollinators and designing the herb/veg garden - what goes with what to get the best results. While the garden space will feed three families, it also clears my mind of the daily chaos. Not sure I can look at it the same way now that I’ve read your excellent piece. 😂
I found myself in a hole and found this a therapeutic piece to write Barb, my budding relationship with the Robin is fascinating. Whenever I’m around it seems like I’m invisibility ringing the dinner bell.
It will likely take me most of the summer to realise vision I have for the space, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. - Martin
So true about the middle class. Life getting so expensive now and the rich just get richer everyday. Government only help big corporations and forget normal working people. We need real change not just promises.
So very glad to read that you have taken up gardening! I did the same thing years ago, and it is what has kept me sane through all of the current madness. You should never feel obligated to write anything for anyone. I think your audience is just as happy with short form posts of any kind. And you should certainly not feel obligated to do even that! I loved reading about your plans for propagation. You have chosen the best life path ever and it will keep you well grounded. We are all rooted in nature. May you and your garden flourish!
That’s very kind of you, I appreciate your words of encouragement - Martin
Love your passion for gardening . I grew up in the countryside, surrounded by corn fields , horses in the neighbors pasture , and a view of cows grazing and foxes playing in fields beyond. We had a big vegetable garden, and every fruit tree that grew in Pennsylvania. The garden was a great passion of my parents and was spoiled by the best, freshest fruits and vegetables so I have great appreciation for Mother Earth . There is that distinct pleasure of seeing your plants producing flowers or food as you nurture them along . The scientists say that digging in the soil with your hands is therapeutic and it has a name … Grounding .
https://sanctuarywellnessspa.com/the-power-of-grounding-for-health-wellness/
Personally , I think dirty hands, knees and sometimes faces are symbolic of humility and humanity . If you can’t get down and dirty , you have to examine your ego . Oh and one other important benefit … it keeps you SANE 😂😂😂😂 . Keep digging Martin , get dirty and you will never need a psychiatrist 😂😂😂. Great column 👍🏼
😊😊😊🌸🌴🌻🍅🥭🍒🍷
Wonderfully put Martin. Bringing politics down to earth, literally!
Gardening is a fertile bed for analogies. Thoughts run deep with hands in the soil. Best to you, your garden, and your writing.
There is something both creative and therapeutic in being immersed in a garden. A real sanctuary. Enjoy!
More power to you, I detest gardening, but I love the harvest and skills I have to “put food by”
Also glad you're getting an escape that feels as good as gardening! If we can take breaks we should.💪🏻
Gardening does that for me too!! It looks great!
To some folks it’s gardening others artistic appreciation and other may be of a more physical in nature,ie-bicycling or hiking or music,pets for others still. Too much attention on current political issues IS depressing. 🐞🐓🥀🌞🍉🫛🚴🎻🛠️🔭🪅📚🏕️🎨🍽️🌝