I’m a driven, Type A personality and often use gardening as a way to decompress and put the world back into perspective. That’s why I hobbled out to the perennial beds today, using a cane and tenacity, to clear away spent foliage, prune shrub roses and tidy up. Let me backtrack about eight weeks. I woke up one morning to find I could barely walk. It’s every gardener’s nightmare, but I’ve tried to make best of the pain and lack of mobility, knowing relief will come next week in the form of a spinal injection. Meanwhile, I am determined to start seeds, prune and prepare my garden for the growing season. Last weekend, with dear husband’s help and a chainsaw (his idea), we pruned fruit trees. They’ll grow back; that’s all I diplomatically have to say about that adventure.

Photo: Doreen Howard

Today, as I cut away ‘Brandy’ hibiscus, ‘Roxanne’ geranium and ‘Mardi Gras’ helianum debris, I uncovered brilliant blue crocus edged with dainty ‘Tete a Tete’ daffodils, just breaking bud. They weren’t there last week. My heart soared at seeing the vibrant display, and the pain in my lower spine and legs slipped away. Then I noticed yellow, white and pale blue crocus in the middle of the lawn. I ran (OK, I hobbled fast with the cane!) around the yard looking for other  early spring treasures. White woodland hyacinths were opening at the edge of the rose garden, and hellebore buds are showing color. Tree buds are swelling everywhere. And I feel better than I have in weeks.

Soon I’ll be walking pain-free and nature will crank up a flower show that runs non-stop until the killing freezes of October. Seeing the first flowers was like the spring tonic my grandmother used to inflict upon me and my brothers….without the gagging taste. She’d insist that all small children needed a strong dose of dandelion tea to insure good health. I’d spit it out when she wasn’t looking. Flowers are much better medicine. Ah, yes, life is good, and my perspective has been adjusted again.

—Doreen Howard
http://www.desperategardens.net