Green Enchantment

 Upon the arrival of the spring equinox, we honor the appearance of the lovely Crocus. This is the first year I planted Crocus bulbs and they are popping their little head out in purples and whites. What a refreshing sight as we look forward to spring warmth and sunshine. I found this poem by H. F. Gould, in remembrance of the Crocus flower. It brings my heart and mind to…HOPE. Down in my solitude under the snow, Where nothing cheering can reach me; Here, without light to see how to grow, I’ll trust to nature to teach me. I will not despair–nor be idle, nor frown, Locked in so gloomy a dwelling; My leaves shall run up, and my roots shall run down, While the bud in my bosom is swelling. Soon as the frost will get out of my bed, From this cold dungeon to free me, I will peer up with my little bright head, And all will be joyful to see me. Then from my heart will young petals diverge, As rays of the sun from their focus; I from the darkness of earth shall emerge, A happy and beautiful...

  Today was a good day to start planting seeds. I have collected seeds from last year’s plants and from the seed library. Starting them in a fresh, sterile seed-starting mix that is light and fluffy is an advantage. Then, I set them out in the light spring rain for a little while, just to get the soil moist. They come in the house to begin the process of growth as creation designed it. I don’t have the luxury of a potting bench or gardening table used for small gardening tasks so I have created my own idea. We came across a paper pallet last fall that was to be recycled. We grabbed it with interest, since my husband’s sawmill used to cut boards that were transported to a pallet production company. We had never seen a cardboard one before! Here are a few facts about paper pallets…94 percent of transported goods are moved using pallets. Paper pallets are mostly from recycled fiber content. They are lightweight, recyclable, don’t use nails or staples as fasteners and never splinter! I...