The End of the Beginning

With the arrival of the first hard frost, all but the hardiest of crops have now been stored away into fridge, freezer and/or jar.  And my first full-tilt growing season here on the homestead winds down.

This process - that of growing things, is as much a part of myself as breathing.  From the planting of seeds to the hauling of spent plant debris to the compost pile.  

If ever there was an occasion to practice mindfulness, surely putting one's garden to bed would be it.  Each pile of spent plant debris moved to the compost pile reminds me of the perfect circle presented by Mother Earth.  Each dried seed head scattered serves as a reminder that all will come around again.  A small blessing whispered to each bulb, perennial and tree as they are tucked in and made ready for Winter's arrival.

Turn, turn, turn.

xoKaren