There's Always Something We Can Do

If you're not into gardening, then you probably think that after all that produce is harvested and the last pumpkin has made it out of the pumpkin patch, that's it for the gardening year. So I'll tell you a little secret that only gardeners know: in gardening, just like in life, there's always something we can do. Let me give you some examples for November:

1. Planting bulbs - the bulbs you plant now will give you blooms in the spring. Kind of like when you plant an idea or an intention for something you want to grow in your life. Sometimes it takes a while for it to bloom, just like the daffodils and tulips, but if you plant it deep and give it love, it will bloom for you.

2. Plant up bare-root trees and shrubs - some things that have already started producing roots are ready to go into the ground. This is when you'll see if those roots have been fed and nourished enough to survive the challenges of winter. If we've done a good job nourishing our goals and dreams, giving them strong roots, they'll make it through the challenges ahead.

3. Protect what needs protecting - thin young trees and things like roses will need protection from the winds and frosts. They need staking and sometimes will require some serious pruning to give them a stronger, healthier start next season. The same holds true in our lives. Things that we hold as precious need to be staked and protected from those who would try to inject unhealthy elements into our world. Wrap them in love and a strong foundation, and don't be afraid to prune off what no longer serves you.

4. Let the leaves work for you - I know, raking leaves seems like and endless and thankless job, but those very leaves make some of the best compost for your garden. Just rake them up, put them in black trash bags with drainage holes in the bottom, store them behind the garage or shed, and next spring you'll have some beautiful leaf mulch to spread all over your garden. It's kind of like the old saying: if life hands you lemons, make lemonade. It isn't what life throws in your path, it's what you do with it that matters.

For all of the years that I've gardened in one fashion or another, not one year goes by that I don't learn something new about life along the way. Even after all these years, there is always something new to learn. We just need to keep our eyes, and our hearts, open to what Mother Nature wants to share with us!

And so it is.