The latest dirt from...

April / May 2007

The world breaks everyone and afterward many are stronger in the broken places.
-- Ernest Hemingway

There is so much about life that does not seem fair or just. In spite of the many mistakes we make, as well as endure, the greatest gift we, as human beings have is our indelible spirit. Here lies the gift of the spirit; even when we feel we have lost our way, once we come to the realization; we discover our path, once again. One of the finest methods to find our way back can come through our gardens. Plants and gardening can truly soothe our souls, at a time when we need it most.

The healing power of “inner gardening” conveys a deep level of love and connection with plants and the environments in which they thrive. The garden should be a place that nurtures you, even as you nurture it. If you take a different approach to gardening, you can add a new dimension to garden tasks. Do not simply think of them as chores or things you must do. Gardening should be about healing, not angst. Plants, as living beings, need the same things we do: food, air, water, and love. But just as with people, there is such a thing as too much love. This usually translates into issues of control and fixation. Nature is not perfect and we, as human beings, are not, either.

The Navajo, when creating a hand woven rug, will deliberately make a “mistake” because they believe that only God can create something perfect. And aren’t we thankful for it? How mundane our lives would be if we had nothing to improve on. This is not about fertilizing your soul or spreading beauty bark around your heart. By arranging and tending a garden that fosters spiritual renewal and provides earthly enjoyment, you create a place for contemplation, relaxation, and peace –– and maybe soak in a little fresh air and light in the process.

Whether you tread into the landscape to celebrate, distract yourself from worry or sorrow, or re-direct angry energy, here are a few things to consider while planning your garden this season:

1. Have realistic expectations of your time, your labor, and your budget.
2. Take stock of your household’s requirements and activities, and keep them in mind.
3. Proceed slowly. Do not feel you must accomplish everything at once.
4. Keep it simple. There is elegance in simplicity.
5. Relax. There is no gardening mistake that cannot be changed. Nature is very forgiving.
6. Take the time to actually enjoy the fruits of your labor, with yourself and others.

“We transform our gardens and our yards into sacred space when we understand them as places of growth, not only for plants and trees, but for our inner selves.” Dirty Hands Garden Center extends deepest sympathies to those who have suffered losses, or are in pain. We add the fervent hope that you will find a way to embrace life, live well, and plant happy!

Folks, please remember to ALWAYS bring plant and bug samples in a plastic bag. It is very important that everyone be aware of the possibility of contaminating businesses, homeowner properties, and the Earth in general (think of it as a horticultural condom).
THANK YOU!

As always, all information given in the newsletter and on the website in general apply primarily to the zone 7/partial zone 6 regions of Virginia.

There are many new and fabulous things in store for you, at Dirty Hands Garden Center. We always appreciate your suggestions and opinions. Please feel free to contact us directly at Dirty Hands Email. Or, better yet, come see us in person!
Woo-Hoo!
Peace out.
Rock forward.

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As always, if you have questions, please feel free to contact us directly, either through the contact form, or by calling 804-598-8945, or visiting us at 2603 Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA. 23139 (This information pertains to the greater Richmond, Va. area and may vary slightly with each locality).