I have spent the past three months nurturing some little seedlings to be planted just before winter. I also placed hundreds of bulbs into the ground to hibernate before they bloom in early spring. As I watered and tended to these little seedlings in trays, my sons were so confused, often asking, “Mommy, why are you putting those plants out now? Won’t they die?” At the same time, my husband was asking, “Don’t we get a break from plants?” 

We began this whole gardening project last winter. So much work was done in the cold weather months to prepare the ground and the beds for planting in the spring. I stayed busy and worked hard last winter for what was a long, equally challenging but rewarding spring, summer and fall. Most of our flowers were planted during the spring from seedlings that I started mid-winter. But, I learned that there are many flowers that are frost resistant and would like to be planted in the fall that benefit from the cooler weather promoting stronger and more robust blooms. This year, we’re going to give that a try. 

As we shift into the winter season, which brings so much joy for some around the holidays, others feel loneliness and sadness. It’s cold and the days are shorter. There’s less time to play outside. As someone who lives for the outdoors, sweat and the sun, the winter used to be a pretty depressing season for me. I have recently been trying to shift that narrative in my mind and to see the winter as more of a gift. It is a time of restoration and nourishment. It is a time for rest and building resilience. Did you know that optimal sleep is in a cold (60-67 degrees) and dark environment? Did you know that playing in cold weather stimulates the production of white blood cells thus building our immune systems? 

While the lack of sun and colorful flowers can make us sad, each season in gardening and in life serves a purpose. I’m reminded of something I wrote years ago while going through a bit of my own personal winter. 

Sometimes, I am the sun. 

I am radiant nourishment with so much to offer. 

Everyone is witness to my strength, wants to be in my playful presence and feel my warmth. 

Sometimes, I am the barren tree or brown grass buried beneath the snow. 

I have nothing to give, I am nothing to look upon. No one can see what I am enduring. 

But one day, spring will come. 

I will have withstood the harsh, winter cold. 

I will be stronger. 

And you will see me again. Colorful and full of life. 

You will look upon me again for shade, warmth or a soft place to lay your tired head. 

Sometimes, it takes the winter to see yourself for all you truly are.

Happy holidays, and I hope all your flowers bring you endless joy in the year to come! Happy gardening!