The Good Earth

Fragrance
This spring I've described my garden several times, but I might as well have posted a picture (if I had that capability) because I never mentioned senses other than sight. While the colors, textures and foliage of the garden strikes you first, just sit on the bench and let the other senses explore the beauty.

Now breathe in the fragrance of the garden. Dianthus Essex Witch casts a strong spice fragrance competing with the wild rose from the woods. The earliest fragrant plant are the hyacinths, followed by Viburnum carlessi, which is intoxicating. I especially like to open the windows in early spring and let it drift through the house. Another wild plant kicks in after the Viburnum, the strong honey scent of Russian Olive. Then the lilacs. Coming up are the oriental lilies and fragrant old roses. I haven't even mentioned the smell of spring - warming earth.

You are still seated on that garden bench and what do you feel? The warm sun and the gentle breeze on your skin. Unfortunately, with the warm weather upon us, you may feel the bite of a deerfly if you sit too long. Of course, if you were kneeling on the ground with your hands buried in the soil, your sense of feel and smell are fully engaged with the warm tilth.

The sound of the wind through the trees, the call of the birds, the gurgle of Usually Not Creek, the rustle of plant leaves, the buzz of insects have a way of calming the spirit.

You'd better open your eyes for treating the taste buds. You could test the herbs - thyme, chives, mint - or you could try some edible flowers or, better yet, walk into the meadow where the asparagus, berries, rhubarb and fruit are growing.