Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Trees Trees Trees

Trees

I THINK that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

by: Joyce Kilmer 1886–1918


This is one of my all time favorite poems! And with each new leaf that appears my heart sings with this poem. The willows are fully leaved as is the Bradford Pear in my garden. I am still eagerly awaiting the maples and sycamore however. Soon the yard will be transformed into a different land altogether. Gone will be the skeletons that were the naked trees of winter. The trees will don their verdant coats, and they will step into Spring, fully clothed and home to birds aplenty. We will sit beneath their arms and enjoy the coolness of the shade when the weather warms. Truly, thank God for trees!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Gardening is Therapy

When I am feeling frustrated, angry, or sad I turn to the garden. It doesn't matter the season there is always something to do there that can bring me comfort or release. I find shoveling to be especially helpful. Turning the soil for a new planting or even shoveling manure out of the chicken pen are my favorite ways to vent. It is quite impressive just how much can be done in such a short time when anger is the fuel. Draining the tension in this way is much healthier than having an argument with someone and my garden even reaps the benefits.

When I'm disillusioned and disappointed I seek comfort there. A tiny sprout, a blossom about to open, a well engineered nest all remind me that life is worth living. Watering, pruning, planting, and mulching all bring a smile to my face that must be contagious. It isn't long before I find myself humming a tune.

The garden brings me peace and I enjoy the simple thingsMaybe the world would be a much better place if we all gardened.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Planting Grapes

I had to replace two of my grapevines this year. I chose a Thompson red seedless and a green seedless when I went to my local feed store for more layer pellets. It is always a treat to go to Parksley Livestock. Whenever I stop by there is always something new to see and this time it was a great selection of vining fruits. The best part of shopping there is that they make you feel welcome. No sooner than I open the door I hear them say, "Hello, Mrs. Kio. How are you today?" My purchases are always loaded into the van for me. In this high tech, fast paced, superstore world it is nice that there is still a place where someone can go to shop and feel that they are welcome and special. I hope that you all have a store near you that brings a smile to your face.

Well, more about the grapes. I opened the bare root containers upon returning home and then soaked them over night in a five gallon bucket of water. When I checked the next afternoon, these new plants had soaked up 2/3 of all that water. My husband and I then planted them near their respective bamboo posts in the grape arbor, making certain to spread their roots evenly. I gave them a thorough watering and that's it. One of the best things about grapes is how easy they are to grow even with little care. I have often been amazed as I ride past an abandoned home, which hasn't had a family in residence for probably two decades or more, to see clusters of grapes swinging in the breeze from an overgrown vine. I hope that my grapes will be as prosperous for many years to come.