Season by Season Blog
Lighting a Candle
This desire to light a candle at 10:00 am on a sunny July morning gave me pause. Why did I want to light a candle? What had changed in me? What had changed around me?
Growing Heat, Growing Apples
At this time of year, the topic of conversation is the heat! Either it is talking about how the heat is unbearable, or how the heat has been unbearable.
A fire for now.
Even in our electric age of light and neon, the glow and crackle of a fire maintain their magic. Fire has, since childhood, been something out of the ordinary; something a little sacred, something a little profound. Firelight reminds you of the darkness we humans used to live in and, indeed, how we were once more comfortable with the shadows. Fires of long ago.
Touched and Reborn
It has truly been two weeks of growth and transformation. There’s no stopping nature now as we dive joyfully into summer.
All Becomes Clear
We welcome the expansive season. A time of clarity: the light glows, sparkles, laughs. The scenery gurgles and chirps, green tendrils pushing toward the sun. Everywhere, delicate transparency captures the crystalline glow, cradling it softer than a torch.
Come Out and Play
There can be no doubt that winter is on its way out and that spring is here to stay. Even for those in the more northerly regions, I’m sure that there is a sense that the world is heading in one direction – and that direction is towards warmth and light. Occasional snow showers be damned.
Sleep No Longer
Wintering Insects Awake (March 5 -20) always seems like the time of year when everything shakes from its dozing. We have been gradually stirring from our winter slumber since February, our eyes peeping open as we become accustomed to the light, and by mid-March, the world is truly roused (compelled!) to action.
Spring in the Rain, Spring in the Birds
Never have I felt grateful for the arrival of “Snow Becomes Rain” in quite this way before. This season of the lunisolar calendar nudges us to remember the fluidity of warmer days, when the strong frigid grip lessens, and we feel a bit more looseness in the atmosphere. With each raindrop, we feel moisture return, lessening the cruelness of the dry cold.
Why February Feels Like Spring
By the solar calendar’s reckoning, spring begins around February 4th. Some may find this preposterous. How can it be that spring begins in such cold, dark days? Yet, everything must begin somewhere. Even the mighty river must form from a trickle. February is that trickle. Perhaps, even that droplet.
NYC Tomatoes
Tomatoes ripening on the vine symbolize all which is good of the summer season. Tomatoes ripening on the vine, catching the light of the summer sun, shining like a beacon against the cement shadows of New York City symbolize a gardener who has found their joy. Gardening, no matter the location, no matter the space. And, their joy becomes my joy.
Lessons in Urban Gardening
Despite my ups and downs in the tree pits, every year I learn a new lesson. Last year's lesson? Plant drought-resistant seeds. This year's lesson? Don't be lazy and be sure to put up lots of signage.