Gratitude in Winter's Stillness
Do you find that winter feels long when days pass without the vivid signs of beauty we easily spot in the warmer months? I often miss the vibrant colours of blooming gardens, the smell of fresh herbs, and the joy of sweet and tangy raspberries. On those gray days, I sometimes turn to journaling, focusing on my gratitude for what lies ahead: the promise of beautiful flowers, fragrant herbs, and fruits that awaken the senses. What a thought to hold onto!
Still, as much as I love dreaming of spring, I also believe in finding joy in the present. For a zone 5 gardener, that often means planning. It’s not just about creating order—it’s an art of its own. Sharing seed choices with my West Coast best friend, Heather, is a new favourite winter ritual, though I admit to feeling a pang of envy at her earlier planting season. This year, I’m determined to embrace my planning skills (even if I still think of myself as a "non-planner"). Who knew planning could be so fun when it’s tied to something you love?
Garden Memories at the Malcolm Farm
Pockets of magic that take you back.
Of course, planning for the future isn’t the only source of joy. Nostalgia plays a beautiful role, too. I recently discovered my grandmother’s garden journal through the 1970’s. Her meticulous notes are an inspiration. She cataloged every flower and arrangement as if curating a masterpiece, with rows of Blaze Verbena, Jubilee Gem, and Candy Cane Zinnias. Contrast that with my own garden journal, which is more "impressionist painting" than orderly spreadsheet. Let’s just say my sketches look like they’ve been inspired by a cup of coffee and a little too much excitement (which, to be fair, they often are). But there’s beauty in both, isn’t there? Her precision and my chaotic scribbles each hold their own kind of magic.
Gama’s Journal (1975)
A master class in organization. Rows, varieties, and even future plans were all accounted for. A garden symphony in perfect harmony.
My Journal (2024)
Think of this as the electronic remix—unpredictable, energetic, and a little chaotic (like me), but hopefully leading to a captivatingly chaotic flower bed.
What is your journalling style?
As I reflect on my gratitude for the past, present, and future, I think about those "pockets of magic in the garden" that keep us dreaming. Here’s to remembering rows of towering snapdragons, planning for next year’s blooms, and imagining the glorious colors and sweet scents of 2025.