12.08.2023 | First Friday of Advent

The skies are partly cloudy out in the Carondelet Garden on this first Friday of December.  The weather folks are saying the skies will continue to cloud over as the day progresses and we may even see a bit of rain later this afternoon.  We could use a bit more to be sure.

I was finally able to return to gardening yesterday in a real way.  I have to admit I was exhausted after only a few hours of work, but it was so worth it!  The Hellebore 'Pink Ice' was the variety planted.  We added two more to the shade garden.  Oddly, early December is a wonderful time to plant Hellebore so long as the ground is not frozen which would be unusual around here this early.  

It is true that two things can help in healing:  love and gardening.  The power of love to heal us sounds so simplistic but love is the greatest healer around.  I also believe that gardens heal.  When you are sad, a garden provides comfort.  When you are feeling defeated, a garden can console.  When lonely, it offers true companionship that lasts.  When you are weary, the garden is there to soothe and refresh.  

Once finished with my chores I simply sat and enjoyed a cup of tea and just listened to the garden.  The soft wind blowing. The sun shining and the mild temperatures provided the best healing I could imagine.  Such a grace in an ungraceful age. 

I hope you get the chance to slow down a bit this weekend.  Take a moment to sit in a garden or a park and just listen for a minute or two.  Let the creator of all things show you the beauty and majesty of creation.  It only takes a few minutes.  Listen to the pretty.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.