2-06-2024 2:59pm

The Groundhog Didn't See His Shadow - That Means an Early Spring and Blooming Gardens

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - THE GROUNDHOG DIDN'T SEE HIS SHADOW - THAT MEANS AN EARLY SPRING AND BLOOMING GARDENS

I don't know about you, but I'm so happy January is over. To me, it's the longest month of the year. And to make matters worse, it was a cold, rainy, cloudy month this year. Arrivederci Gennaio! Of course, that's Italian!

Arguably the most famous groundhog in the world, Punxsutawney Phil, did not see his shadow this past Friday meaning an early spring is on its way. Yay! Seed prep anyone?

I'm sure many of you are happy that we'll have an early Spring. The ground is moist preparing for the first blooms to poke through the soil. As a matter of fact, I saw a crocus the other day. I love the first signs of Spring, and gardening is one of my favorite pastimes. I believe it saved me through the COVID lockdown. I have over 15 different flowering plants in my small garden. The abandoned bed of soil that runs along our property was empty and needed some love, so my sister gave me cuttings from her large garden. She said, "Just stick them in the ground and water them. They'll grow." And grow they did. My garden is a progressive garden of perennials. This means there are flowers blooming throughout most of Spring and Summer and well into the Fall. As one fades, another begins its bloom. Like a growing child, each day is something new. Oh, the marvel of Mother Nature. She has perfect timing.

Gardens are a source of comfort and a sanctuary for pollinators like flying insects. In addition to butterflies and moths, many species of beetles and flies are important pollinators. Squirrels and outdoor cats take refuge in gardens as they love to play between the flowering plants and bushes. And sometimes the squirrels bury their nuts there.

Each year, my garden expands. There may be a new flower that I'm pretty sure I did not plant. That's because of the birds and bees. You can learn a lot from them. They are masters of the garden, and their pollination techniques are precise. We would not have thriving gardens without the help of these beautiful creatures.

If you are seeking some comfort from the natural world, plant a garden this Spring. It is one of the greatest teachers in life. You learn patience and grace, and horticulture skills, too. It's easy to do. Just get some cuttings like I did and place them in ground. Then, let time take over and you'll start to see flowers all around.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, we can become gardeners and learn so much about life through the process.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - THE LANDCRAFT GARDEN FOUNDATION

The Landcraft Garden Foundation is dedicated to inspiring, educating and promoting gardening, horticulture and the preservation of our natural environment. Their mission is to provide a horticulturally diverse garden that offers knowledge of the plant world and acts as a laboratory for experimenting with horticultural techniques, plant diversity, breeding and design. Ultimately, their intention is to provide the experience of peace and stability that gardens bring to people throughout the world. This is a must destination this Spring.

For more information, visit www.landcraftgardenfoundation.org

SKYLARK'S PRAYER FOR THE WEEK

Dear God,

Help me to embrace the remainder of Winter that will lead to the bloom of Spring. In all things, let me be patient, kind, and benevolent. Amen.

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SKYLARK'S QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What are some of your favorite flowers?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble below next to the heart. I'd love hear from you. Thank you.

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - THE BIRDS AND THE BEES by JEWEL AKENS

Lyrics

Let me tell ya 'bout the birds and the bees
And the flowers and the trees
And the moon up above
And a thing called love

Let me tell ya 'bout the stars in the sky
And a girl and a guy
And the way they could kiss
On a night like this

When I look into your big brown eyes
It's so very plain to see
That it's time you learned about the facts of life
Starting from A to Z

Let me tell ya 'bout the birds and the bees
And the flowers and the trees
And the moon up above
And a thing called love (yeah)

When I look into your big brown eyes
It's so very plain to see
That it's time you learned about the facts of life
Starting from A to Z

Let me tell ya 'bout the birds and the bees
And the flowers and the trees
And the moon up above
And a thing called love

Let me tell ya 'bout the birds and the bees
And the flowers and the trees
And the birds and the bees
And the flowers and the trees
'Bout the birds and the bees

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About Skylark and How to Follow Me

My brand, Skylark Live, consists of a weekly newsletter; Skylark Live Town News, and a monthly vlog; 60 and Beyond with Skylark. I’m still mulling around the idea of monthly in-person chats called The Skylark Sessions. This is a work in progress. They are all designed to inspire and motivate women to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness at 60 and beyond. Andiamo! Let's go!

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Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day.