“There is little you can learn from doing nothing.” Zig Ziegler
The month of May brings a blaze of Springtime Glory. All nature heeds the call of spring. The extra daylight tiptoes into darkness, drawing us magically closer to the natural world. Let’s enjoy and savor those moments to the fullest. The rewards are enrichment in life. There are so many things to do. Should I wash windows, work in the yard, cook something special or start my small flower garden?
May offers lovely miracles that come in many forms with things that cannot be bought. Life on earth becomes more involved. Awesome –like wonders such, as new hope when we see leaves budding on a tree and the timid flowers opening wide. If only we could lift our hearts like the flowers to the warm sun. May lays a magic hand across the springtime sky. The traditional start of summer is on May Day. The festivities start the month with celebration of May Day. I have wonderful, happy memories of May Day!
When I was in primary grades at Shapleigh School in North Kittery we observed “a-Maying”. On this day we would go into a field adjacent to school to collect wild flowers. We would make baskets of spring blossoms to be delivered in secret to friends and neighbors. Then hide and watch the surprise as little old ladies looked out to see who left it. Later we would dance around the flag pole. Afterward light refreshments were served. May Day was a simple pleasure that promised lovely springtime pleasures supposedly brought by the springtime fairy!
Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain. Gardeners are keenly aware that beautiful gardens don’t just happen. Getting the right nutrients and fertilizer to plants during their growth makes a big difference. While I am digging in the dirt, weeding or hoeing my mind relaxes and wanders. At times like those we forget our worries and cares and think about the wonder and glory of growing plants.
Growing a garden can be full of surprises. No matter how experienced we are each day can bring something unexpected. Why are the lilies having a hard time this year? In a plant the beginning of life is the stirring of a sprout in a seed. The growth in a plant is a gradual development.
Not everyone loves gardening. But in an unpredictable world gardening can be good for your spirit as well as your health. We increase time outdoors. And best of all gardens feed people. Growing food is powerful. It can bring people together, and sometimes it can even help the bonding of a community.
The Saco Community Garden in Haley Park, King Street, Saco, Maine is in its 10th season and still growing. The Saco Community Garden’s mission is to create a garden following organic practices, provide affordable garden plots for growing healthy food and flowers, support a community of gardeners and promote a green and substantial Saco. For more information please e-mail: sacocommunitygarden@gmail.com
Please note: Renters may also register their plots at the Community Center located at 75 Franklin Street. Fun for individuals and families.
Catching up with former colleagues and friends can be pleasurable. The next meeting of the York County Retired Educators Association will be held at York County Community College Drive in Wells on May 9. Meeting starts at 10 a.m. and there will be a book swap, a 50-50 raffle and the Old Hat String Band.
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