Digging in the Dirt

So it’s been one of those weeks for me.  The saying that you are only as happy as your unhappiest child is one that is heartrendingly true.  I feel the pain one thousand percent and want to swoop in and take it all away. The problems are immense, and I cannot solve it as much as I really want to be able to solve everything.  My small piece of advice to my child is to focus on the things that bring you joy.   For her it’s music and companionship.  So, we go on drives and listen to Broadway musicals.   We talk about music and go to shows.  I truly believe that you must find your thing.  Whether it’s music, exercise, painting, reading or a whole world of things. You have to figure out what it is and have it consume you as often as necessary.  

For me it’s digging in the dirt and being outdoors with my flowers.  Unfortunately for me it’s also April in Cleveland, Ohio and the dirt does not want to budge or be bothered in any way.  It’s frozen and stubborn.  Kind of reminds me of myself right now.    I do have lots of plans in my head, and some on paper, for the garden this year.   And if all goes well it’s going to be magnificent.   One of the exciting aspects of gardening in zone 6a is that things rarely go as planned.  Temps here can swing significantly in one day.  Rain can be endless, or you may have a total drought.  It’s not uncommon to have a 20-degree temperature drop in one day. Most flowers are resilient and will keep soldiering on given little extra attention.  Others need a nice blanket for the cold nights or good irrigation for the dry days. You do everything you can by giving flowers the best foundation in the way of soil and hope for the best.  I’m an optimist so I can feel it in my bones that the gardening gods will bring a most magnificent garden this year.   So onward with the plan.  I’m giving the dahlias a nice start indoors as well as different shades of Queen Anne’s lace.   I’m redesigning the roses for this year and bringing in a new member of the family and her name is Desdemona.  A beautiful white rose with hints of blush.  For late summer and early fall there will be lots of moody burgundy from karma dahlias.  I’m planting some pretty vines and greenery to incorporate into bouquets and garlands.  And with that life will be back on track.