I plunge my hands into the soil and squish the lumpy chunks between my fingers. I've left the gloves in the house, tossed into my garden corner near the dog stuff. I don't want protection from the wet mess in the pot, the cold soil too soft against my skin to dull with fabric. I don't want the feeling numbed and I'm silent as I work. Few people see this side of me, deeply internal, analytical, and reflective. It's tucked away and quietly pulled out when needed.
Seed grown 'Mignon Mix' dahlias were root bound in their cups and overdue for transplanting.
I stop and just sit. The sky darkens and the neighbors lights flash on, curtains pulled, and I finally exhale. This has been an odd week, soft curves sharpened by hard truths and difficult decisions. I had planned a warm spot of happy but since when do things go as planned?
The flowers can be reddish burgundy to yellow.
These were very easy to grow from seed. There are more dahlias in the pot in the back. The dahlias in the front will green up quickly in the rich soil.
Hmm, I think one of the most beneficial parts of gardening for me is it allows me to step back from my life and reconnect with my thoughts and my life on a different level. You have expressed it so well. When I get home from work I am so happy it's warm and light out now so I can get outside and muck around or just sit and put everything in perspective. I love being alone outside as it darkens too. Take care my friend.
ReplyDeleteI love the quiet of my garden especially when I just need to think. Having something to focus on helps slow down my brain so I can process whatever I'm dealing with.
DeleteJust plants grown from seed, must be so satisfying to see them planted. Pretty and cheerful, those buds are especially striking. I enjoy being alone with my plants at least a bit each day.
ReplyDeletePlants don't argue, whine, or act like jerks. They're so much easier to deal with than people.
DeleteThanks for letting us get a peek at the other side of your personality.
ReplyDeleteI tend to disappear into my head quite a bit. But I like it there and come back feeling calmer, especially if I can wander my brain while wandering the garden.
DeleteGardening is the best therapy. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine used to throw herself into cleaning house when she needed a release from the stresses of work and life in general but I know of no better way to gain perspective than to get one's hands dirty working in the garden.
ReplyDeleteI've done that, too but much prefer the garden. :o)
DeleteThere is nothing like the comfort of the good earth when life has not gone according to plan. Best wishes and hoping this will be a better week!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb. :o)
DeleteSuch a stunning bloom friend. Glad you had that time to get your hands in the soil and feel what you were feeling. So beautifully written and such an awesome blessing to have a passion for the garden to ease the soul. Wishing you good things this week....Nicole xo
ReplyDeleteI always wonder how people with no hobbies are able to find an outlet for their emotions. My mom once told me I should yell more to deal with life but I disagreed until I had teenagers. ;o)
DeleteA beautiful bloom--you'll enjoy them for your growing season, I'm sure. There's something creative and sensual about planting--which is why, or one of the reasons why, we plant. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't ever thought about gardening as being sensual, but I'm a very tactile person and love the way soil feels. I avoid any plants that are sharp or spikey. I have to be able to feel my garden or it seems that part of the experience is lost.
DeleteThe best plans are like healthy plants - able to bend without breaking. Hope things work back into a smooth calmness for you. A very nice post.
ReplyDeleteExcellent quote. I need to remember that one.
DeleteYes, this resonates. Life has been crazy for a couple of weeks for me, too. Can't wait to get my hands back into the soil. No gloves for me either. Your Dahlias are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks! They were absurdly easy to grow from seed. I do often wear gloves, but sometimes I just want to feel the soil and not the latex. There's something so satisfying and almost primal about getting very dirty doing something I love.
DeleteWell I hope things are going better! I totally get the not going as planned,and I'm so glad you have your garden to escape to. You obviously have a sensitive caring nature.......here's to a more straightforward week. Hugs.xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm not an overtly emotional person but I do take things to heart. To quote some song lyric "I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all." But life goes on and I'm already cooking up a much cheerier post than this bit of darkness.
DeleteI think the only thing we can be sure of is that things won't go to plan. I'm glad you're feeling cheerier now. Dirt therapy rules.
ReplyDeleteDirt therapy is the best there is! :o)
DeleteTherapy in a pot. I know you will get many months of enjoyment from planting those beautiful dahlias. Take care,
ReplyDeleteBeth
I love them! They are extremely easy to grow. :o)
DeleteWe are so lucky as gardeners to have such a wonderful place to withdraw to when life doesn' t go as planned. Whatever do non- gardeners do? We all have difficult times and decisions to make. I have had my share the last 10 years, with life- changing happenings, but the garden really does help to keep you going and sort things out. Growing things is a kind of meditation and getting your hands dirty is the best part. Happy gardening!
ReplyDeleteSometimes people are just crappy and it takes time spent with plants to help put everything in perspective. The garden is my constant.
DeleteMy brain requires that time in the garden as does my heart and soul...well worth it I'd say!
ReplyDeleteMine, too. :o)
DeleteHello Tammy, a rather thought-provoking and introspective post. At the end of the day, they are just plants in a pot, but then again, they are so much more than that aren't they?
ReplyDeleteTruth, brother.
DeleteThe garden does provide those quiet moments when we can step back from the crazyness. Beautiful dahlias.
ReplyDeleteSpending time in my garden always helps me to think things through and make hard decisions too.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck with whatever you have on your plate to deal with.
Love the dahlias, they do grow here nicely especially in the cooler parishes.