In this week of Thanksgiving I realize again how grateful I am for gardens. In this world of war, wild weather, and wandering refugees it is hard to see solutions to such complex problems. Yet at this very moment I am lucky enough to be able to step outside my home and walk in my garden. I have a place to sit with the people I love, where I can see the sky and be warmed by the sun. Delighted by wild canaries flying through the view, a light breeze rustles the leaves on the olive trees, and a wind chime plays a trio of notes. I have clean water for my plants and for my family.
In my climate of the Southwest there is new growth of plants sprouting from seeds which have awakened from dormancy during our hot summer. There will be poppies, lobelia, nasturtiums, and cilantro growing soon. New life in the garden is always a sign of hope. In a recent interview with Gloria Steinem she was asked if she was discouraged by how many challenges remain for women’s equality. Steinem was not discouraged, she was very hopeful, “for to plan one must have hope.” So I have hope for solutions, I have hope for flowers and I hope you too are grateful for our gardens.