Spring: Life's Promise Renewed.

This week I have chosen to rewrite an article that was originally published on the Suite last March. Spring is a time for renewal and hope. This is an appropriate attitude with which to approach our relationship to food and hunger. The belief that we can make a difference and that our work brings hope that hunger will end.

Yesterday'ssnow added to the inch or so that we had last week, is welcome. The year has been too dry and without this snow we would need a heavy Spring rains in order to avoid a serious dry season and possible drought. Spring, it is difficult to believe that it is only two weeks away. While we have not had much snow, it has been cold, very cold. This is the coldest Winter that i can recall. People are actively seeking Spring and the coming of the vernal Equinox that signals Spring. The Equinox or Ostara signals the arrival of Spring in the North. The Sun rises to ascendance in the sky, and the northern hemisphere turns green. For a few delightful weeks, we experience long sunny days and can enjoy the spectacle of Life being reborn.

It is a time to celebrate the eternal dance. The continual turning of the Wheel of Life heralds another season. A season where we can participate in the endless interaction that is Life, as we plan and plant our gardens.

Here in Thunder Bay, it is the time to start seeds and begin the process that brings both flowers and food to our homes. The seeds and plants have been ordered and our garden plans draw. As we watch the seedlings sprout, we will revise those carefully drawn plans and consider what other purchases we will make once the plant nurseries open. This event, the opening of the nurseries, is still 2 months away but so is the day when we can put the hardiest seeds into the Earth. Beans and other plants, which are dependent upon warm soil, must wait, until the danger of the last frost has passed. This date coincides with the June new moon, although I must admit, I usually plant a few days before that. Because I do plant early, I have a row cover handy and pay close attention to frost warnings until at least a day or so pass the new moon. This is the behaviour I return to at the season's end while waiting for the tomatoes to ripen and one final bean crop.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic