01.06.2025 | Epiphany in Ireland

Dawn is beginning to break here in the Carondelet Garden on this first Monday morning in 2025.  The skies are cloudy, and you can almost feel a bit of frozen moisture still lingering in the chilled air.  We should see highs in the mid-20s by this afternoon.  It is a frigid morning here in south Saint Louis.

I have long ago given up the idea of New Year's Resolutions.  This morning it is even a bit difficult to imagine a new start in the garden this year but still I dream of fresh vegetables and blooming plants abounding in color and flavor.  The only real color in the garden this morning is pure white with few signs of life.  Winter is a time of rest and dreams.  We are free to join the sun in taking a pause before starting anew this Spring.  

Stillness begets enjoyment and reflection.  Yet the very best part of stillness is the opportunity for appreciation.  A moment to give thanks to the Creator for the bounty and the beauty of this incredible natural world.  In a world filled with chaos, anger and meanness, the garden offers solitude, gentleness, beauty and goodness.  It offers hope! Hope is something we need more than ever.  

Here's a bit of hope for this Monday morning.  Hope.  Faith.  Love, and Gardening.  Even on a snowy, frigid morning in January.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.