Since I was a kid, playing outdoors all the time, I’ve been aware of the seasonality and beauty of flowers.
I grew up in a big family with 8 kids, so my Mom was definitely NOT spending time gardening. However, we had older neighbors that were part of our daily life, and their yards had lovingly tended gardens and flowers. Remember, computers weren’t around then, so neighbors would often be outside in the evening, puttering around overseeing their progress. These were small homes and yards but there was a great sense of pride and enjoyment from tilling the earth and growing flowers.
My siblings and I spent a lot of time at their houses, watching them enjoy the spaces they created, while they showered us with tasty treats and kind attention. I loved everything about these visits.
Spring certainly peppered the neighborhood with happy daffodils in assorted colors. Billowing spirea bushes appeared. That’s when I first made wedding bouquets. I would pick a bunch of small white blooms and gather them together in a bouquet. This was also the time of year for May Crownings, a Catholic tradition that honored the Blessed Virgin Mary by adorning a statue or image with a floral crown. Actually… I think that was the start of party planning for me, too. I had everyone in the neighborhood join in!
In May the driveways were lined with seemingly endless rows of peony bushes, from the back yard to the street. Blooming Cherry trees, Redbuds and tulips came up next. None of these blooms last particularly long but the excitement and fleeting beauty they bring to the seasons has always given me peace and pleasure. I hope you find enjoyment in it, too.
Here’s to Spring!
~Regina
