Imbolc: Spring Planning
And a peek at Flower Mail Friends
It’s February 1st and it’s been warmer than usual. I’ve been dreaming of sewing, of spring, of seeds, of sandals and sundresses, all as a means of escape from the seemingly escalating madness of the world. To cope, I’m trying hard to focus on the good parts of humanity: creativity, stewardship, community.
The first issue of Flower Mail Friends was sent over a week ago. This was a labor of love and I felt like I sent a piece of myself out to the world, maybe more so than usual. Because the club is relatively small, I was able to do a little more hands-on work (like the hand in heart love tokens) than if this club had 100s of members. There is something very intimate about making something by hand, especially if a little fussy, rather than just stuffing things into envelopes.
Imbolc is the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. Imbolc always feels more like a proper new year than New Year’s Day. Like I said, the weather is warmer than usual; it’s sunny too. The windows are cracked. I started a bolognese this morning though I rarely eat beef these days. I felt like I needed something really dense, nourishing and protein-rich so I got some pasture-raised beef and used some bay leaves from the garden.
I also ordered my seeds. I bought more seeds than last year—I’m calling this a part of my therapy. I doodled the flower seeds I bought instead of starting the laundry.
We have more space for annuals this year. I want a sunflower bed in front where the grape used to be. Check out these Darjeeling sunflowers, they’re the teddy bear type in a teddy bear color!
February Garden Tasks
Order flower seeds ✓
Clean pruning shears
Prune roses and berry vines
Clean gardenhouse
Check on potted mums (water and prune if needed)
What are your spring (or autumn) plans? Are you in survival mode? I hope that there are flowers blooming where you are.
Aw, thank you!
I got seeds from Johnny's and Select Seeds in case you were wondering. :)
I don’t know what I’d do without garden planning and gardening books to carry me through the winter! Last year I started everything from seed and it was so satisfying. This year I have a baby due in May so I’m giving myself the option of plants, but I am so enjoying the green seedlings in my dining room while it’s still cold and gloomy outside.