Though the temperatures have dipped again, we had a few warm spring days this week.  After many months of neglecting my yard, I took advantage of the nice weather and child care assistance (thanks, Yia-Yia!) and set out to do some weeding and garden clean-up.

I tend to treat gardening much like house cleaning:  I aim for good enough rather than perfect.  My goal in terms of my yard is generally to keep it from getting so overgrown that my neighbors look at it with disdain.  When we bought our house, I knew the lawn maintenance would cause me stress.  The previous owner was an avid gardener who had done all kinds of lovely landscaping.  I’ve tried to maintain it, but in fewer than three years, it looks much less attractive than it did when he left.  The funny thing, though, is that while I look at my overgrown garden and feel burdened by it, I actually enjoy gardening when I’m in the process of doing it.  As with many things, the procrastination and anticipation are worse than the deed itself.

As I was pulling weeds, feeling the warm sun and breathing in the fresh spring air, I recalled a day last June when I’d worked in my garden while my parents were visiting.  It would be my dad’s last visit, and he cautioned me about using chemical weed killers when I might be pregnant.  I thought about that visit while I worked.  I thought about how much has changed since last spring.  Clearing away weeds and leaves became a metaphor (as spring often is in literature) for making a fresh start, for putting the colder, gloomier days behind me.  I thought about my baby and this new season — a brand new life for him, and a new kind of life for me too.

When I finished working in the yard that afternoon, I could see the progress I’d made, and I felt a big sense of peace and accomplishment.  I’m always amazed by how far I can get in just an hour or so, even though the task often seems overwhelming when I start.  I just start digging and pulling, enjoying the physicality and the time spent with the earth, and in no time, everything looks better.  I’m happier because of both the outcome and the process.

I know some parts of the U.S. still seem to be stuck in winter, but I hope that when the snow clears and the ground thaws, you’re able to get outside and spend some time digging in the dirt.  Even if you (like me) know little about plants, it can be a truly satisfying experience.  Happy spring!

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