I love spring.  Aside from the sneezing, it may be my favorite time of year–warm enough to enjoy the sunshine, but still cool enough to enjoy being outside.  It is the time of year many of us feel the deepening urge to get out in the yard and attempt to find our inner “green thumb.”  I know that’s what it does to me.

Wes and I were engaged to be married before I ever met his parents. I will never forget our first meeting, and one of the first things my future mother-in-law Ann said to me.  She hugged me and said, “My bridal wreath bloomed just in time to meet you.”  I only knew what bridal wreath was because my sweet mother also loved it.  (In fact, at that time, it was one of the very few things that would grow in her shady yard.)  As Ann walked me around her lovely yard, I quickly realized she was a green thumb personified. She could grow anything!

Over the years, as she shared with me, I learned the names of plants and trees I had never paid attention to before.  I learned to recognize the difference between azaleas and gardenias (don’t laugh), even when they weren’t in bloom.  I discovered one of her favorite flowers, the Gerber daisy, which soon became my most favorite.  Without fail, every spring, and every trip to the garden center, brings sweet memories of her along with it.

Of course, there are a few other things that go with spring, too.  I tend to believe winter is really past when the “lovely” yellow-green pollen arrives.  Coating everything outdoors, it is a sight that makes car wash owners giddy and convinces homeowners of the need to own a power washer. 

The sound of woodpeckers working, the buzzing of wasps searching for places to build nests, the arrival of hummingbirds, and the wildflowers popping up along roadways and in pastures are all included in the sights and sounds trumpeting the arrival of a new season.

Spring also reminds me that sometimes good and bad go together.  Flowers come because of rain, and while too much rain can be a frustration, it will fill our lakes and rivers and aquifers.  Warmer weather means more “critters” (some I like and some I don’t), but all are a marvel of creation.  Even mistakes, whether gardening or otherwise, are an opportunity for growth and wisdom. 

Every year, I cherish the memories of a second mom who helped teach me about plants and flowers.  I see a new plant she would love, and I wish we could talk about it.  Instead, I’ll smile and look forward to passing it on. 

And speaking of passing it on, please share with our advertisers how much you appreciate their role in bringing you Postcards each month. We couldn’t do it without them.

Until next time,
Karen