As far as I can make out we’ve only had one bank holiday since New Year’s Day without a lockdown in place. History will judge whether the damage caused was justified, but for now one thing at least is certain: damage is being done. This week I’d like to encourage you, if you possibly can, to let nature help you undo at least some of that damage; or if that’s not possible, to help you cope with it and give you hope for the future.
Gardeners know all about hope – it’s what makes the aching back, the mucky work in freezing cold and the constant outwitting of predatory pests worthwhile. I’ve never been autumn’s biggest fan – I don’t like the dark nights closing in and the end of the summer splendour. But I’ve learned that it’s a necessary part of the cycle whether I like it or not, and learned to enjoy the glorious leaf colour, the slanting light and the whispering fall of leaves, while planning for the spring and the resurrection of the growing things. It helps to know that right now, as trees are falling into their winter slumber, snowdrop bulbs are just waking up underground from theirs, and will be sending up their green spears of hope in just a couple of months.
Getting out to walk in woods or countryside – if there’s any within reach – will help remind you that all of life is a cycle and this time too will pass. Even within city limits, autumn’s a good season for appreciating growing things, with many built up areas boasting trees ‘in their autumn beauty’ just now. It’s a great time to get children and grandchildren interested in the natural world, if you can meet them outside – the names of trees and different leaf shapes, the hedgerow berries for birds to eat and squirrels storing nuts. And there’s always that irresistible pull for the keen gardener of seasonal treasures on display in other people’s gardens. I’m not suggesting you trespass (or even visit, for the moment ) – but looking and admiring is free!
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We need nature's lessons more than ever in trying times.
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