I’ve recently discovered that I don’t like transition. I don’t even like the word…
Transitioning usually means some type of wierd, barren place between “super wonderful, but now it’s gone” and “about to be super wonderful, but it’s not”. Of course, that is my own definition of transition within the gardens.
“You should’ve seen the Oxbloods and Sternbergia (Fall Crocus). They *were* SO GORGEOUS last week.”
“The daffodils *were* so beautiful and cheerful.”
“The Poppies and Larkspur *were* incredible this year.”
I feel I am in a constant battle with the word *were*. In fact, I’m not really a fan of that word either. The word *were* is signifying something gone, and hence, the out-bound train for transition-land just left the station.
As for my gardens? Well, Ummm…..they are currently in transition.
A few weeks ago, my gardens were alive. Cow Pen Daisy were feeding hundreds of Monarch Butterflies, the Fall Bulbs were blooming, the Daylilies and Roses took advantage of the cooler weather and were all bloomed out. I even had beautiful herbs ready for harvesting. I spent my days surveying and soaking in the beauty.
Today? The gardens are almost boring as they are now in a state of transition. It’s time to trim back the Cow Pen, cut the blooms off the Spider Lilies, dead head the Antique Roses, and pull up the herbs I forgot to harvest. I think I like it better when everything is in full bloom.
I often wonder why the gardens have to transition. I also wonder why people have to age? Why do children have to grow up and leave the home? Why is there death, the loss of a job or business, divorce and countless other “transitions” that we are all forced to be a part of? Trasitions help us recognize the fleeting moment. I suppose that if we didn’t have a small, limited time to enjoy a flower bulb, we wouldn’t understand what it means to appreciate the little things in life….
A baby’s first step.
The smile and recognition of an older parent with dementia.
The first time in a new home away from home.
The beauty of an Heirloom Bulb that blooms just once a year.
Yes, these beautiful moments change and time moves on. Transition takes over, and we are left with only a memory, while we prepare and wait for another beautiful season of life. Transitions are never easy, but there is something about them to be at peace with.
“This too shall pass.”
Your transitioning will soon be a wonderful new chapter of your story. The gardens in your life will once again be in bloom. Moments come and go, and then it is time to Transition. Take care of what needs to be taken care for today, and prepare your gardens and your heart for the blooms to come. Your gardens will thank you.
Happy Gardening, my friends!