It finally feels as though summer has arrived at Winterpast.
The cherry tomatoes are beginning to blush with color, promising fresh salads and handfuls of sweet little treasures straight from the vine. The medicinal herbs are nearly ready to harvest, filling the garden with wonderful fragrances every time I brush past them. And the zucchini… well… they’re doing exactly what zucchini do. Blink once, and they’ve doubled in size!
The roses have decided that all the waiting was worthwhile. From Tequila Sunrise to Happy Go Lucky (rose varieties, not drinks), each bloom seems to celebrate the arrival of warm weather. Their bright colors greet me every morning with a cheerful reminder that patience is often rewarded.
Of course, Mother Nature wasn’t quite finished teasing us. We enjoyed another little cold snap and even a bit of rain before finally settling into July. Hard to believe we’re already in the second week of the month. Before long, school supplies will be lining the shelves at Walmart. For all I know, Halloween candy may already be making an appearance. That’s just the way the seasons seem to roll these days.
Still, I refuse to rush past this beautiful time of year.
Summer gardens remind us to slow down. To notice. To savor.
If you have a garden of your own, take a few moments to enjoy it. Pick a tomato while it’s still warm from the sunshine. Snip a handful of fresh herbs for tonight’s dinner. Stop and admire a flower that has worked so hard to bloom. Visit the local farmer’s market. Perhaps a neighbor has a few extra zucchini they’d be happy to share. Gardeners are famous for having “just one more zucchini” than they know what to do with!
Whatever you do, try to eat something fresh this week. There is something wonderfully satisfying about food and flowers that’ve been lovingly grown. They remind us that every season has its gifts, and summer is especially generous.
May today be filled with sunshine, the fragrance of fresh herbs, colorful blooms, and perhaps even a zucchini or two.
Happy gardening!
