Springtime Awakening

It's time for Persephone's return!

One of my many brilliant calendulas.

                                      And Spring arose on the garden fair,
      Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere: And each flower and herb on Earth’s 
        dark breast rose from the dreams of its wintery rest. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Today, March 20, 2026, at 7:46 a.m. PST, the sun crossed the celestial equator, traveling from south to north, thus ushering in the Spring Equinox—from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night). Spring and the Equinox are two of the most powerful times of the year. A time for rebirth, celebrations, movement, and progress.

Welcome Spring! It’s time to celebrate!

The first bloom of my passionflower vine.

The dawn of spring gently awakens the youth in all of us. There is a connection of light, hope, and newness. A chance to push through and move forward as a seed emerges from the earth. Spring’s visual display of determination reveals tiny souls to the world, growing into certainty. A metaphor for life. I tend to get philosophical!

Infant grapes. I hope the birds save some for me!

Delicate apple blossoms and the baby apples they are producing!

Baby pink stock grown from seed.

At this time of year, I celebrate Mother Nature and her inspiration. She is a display of life and giving every day. I see hope through the tiny green nubs poking out from frail and barren branches. She shows joy through her vibrant palette of colors dancing across my yard.

These alstroemerias voluntarily planted themselves next to my roses.

Seedlings appear out of nowhere, like the dense purple lavender and matching Salvia flowers that magically have taken root in random vacant spots. They surprise me with their strength and hardiness. It’s a willingness to continue and not give up.

A bee tickles the lavender, teasing out the sweet nectar.

My garden is singing, the melody of its movement beckons me to notice every new life form. Bees, hummingbirds, and worms work synergistically to pollinate and aerate to keep life balanced.

Vibrant calendulas surround my potato plants, protecting them from harmful insects and attracting beneficial ones.

It’s almost time to think of summer veggies, but for now, I will remain in the present, observing the evolution of winter morphing into spring and the realization that life marches forward.

Each year at this time, I write down the dreams and wishes I am planting, hoping they will come to fruition. It can be as simple as experimenting with new herb varieties, or as ambitious as writing my cookbook or hiking the Cornwall coast. In reviewing my past writings, it amazes me how many of these manifestations have come true. Express what you would like to create in your life and see what happens!

Happy Spring Equinox!!

Ciao and Love,

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