Despite still fighting off my cold, I spent a bit more time in the garden today.  I planted some annuals in the color bowls I have out front (they'd been looking pretty bedraggled), planted a larger plant in one of my pots, trimmed, cleaned, weeded.

As I was planting the Mexican Heather, a paticular bee became enamored of the fresh pollen it presented.  He and I had quite a tussle over which of us had "rights" to the plant.  No stinging took place, but there were some aggressive aeronautics on the part of the bee.

I don't know what it is about gardening that blisses me out.  The only other times I've entered the state that I get to gardening are:

--after Yoga class.

--sitting on the lanai at Hale Honu watching the waves break, the sun set, the fish chase each other, whales drift by, swimmers swimming, snorkelers snorkeling, paddlers paddling.  (Essentially, just sitting on the lanai and letting whatever happens, happen.)

Perhaps its the combination of solitude, labor and nature.  I enjoy watching the birds, butterflies, bees and even the ants at work while I'm working.  The work forms its own rhythm but it also allows me to be very creative in my approach.  I flit from task to task (something that would drive my friend, Lynne, to distraction!) but it all gets done.  And at the end of the project, something has been planted, cleaned or tamed (and often all three).

Pretty damn rewarding time for me.

Of course, my back hurts a lot less after a session on the lanai.  But you can't have everything.

(Photo by dardilrocks on flickr.com)

Leave a Reply