Gardens offer sanctuary amid fears and uncertainty

The garden has always been my safe place. For more than three decades of good times and bad, it’s a space to reflect and gain perspective.

Sitting in the garden can provide relief from the anxiety brought on my the COVID-19 pandemic. Photos by Doug Oster

Regardless of what happens outside the garden, crocus flowers push through the cool soil as winter fades, followed by daffodils, the harbingers of spring. Seeing them bloom means there’s no turning back; they are a friendly reminder of how wonderfully persistent plants can be. They’ve bloomed for centuries and will continue, regardless of tumultuous times.

Rainy day rejuvenation

Crocus flowers care covered in raindrops. The garden offers sanctuary amid fears and uncertainty during the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

Soft, cool rain falls as I lay on wet leaves photographing said crocus flowers. They are closed tight and covered in dewy raindrops that make them look all that more beautiful. Scraggly reddish brown clematis vines are covered in swelling buds and soon will be putting on a show. The unmistakable mating song of a cardinal echoes in the background as the frantic call of pileated woodpeckers flying from tree to tree emanates from the forest.

Inconsequential problems

Sitting in a peaceful garden is restorative; it allows the worries of the world to fade away, replaced by the trivial and never-ending problems that always emerge in the garden. Whether it’s furry four-legged pests, too much or not enough rain, or rampant weeds on the warpath; gardeners alike ponder ways to persist in an effort to harvest their crop, enjoy the beauty of their flowers or both.

Reddish brown clematis vines hold swelling buds ready to bloom.

A feeling of normality

Cleaning up the garden and getting it ready for planting is an arduous task, especially when dealing with one that’s such a disaster like mine. There are cracked containers to be glued together, fences need mended, compost applied, beds edged, seeds sown and much, much more. Even though it’s a mess, it’s my mess and for that I’m thankful. Every day spent on those garden chores is another one where things feel normal again. It’s the cyclical garden progression I’ve followed for a good part of my life, and it leaves me feeling rejuvenated.

The garden has always been a place for social distancing for me, a chance to slow down and be alone in a private sanctuary. I can’t think of a better place to be exiled to for the next couple of weeks.

Doug Oster is editor of Everybody Gardens, a website operated by 535Media, LLC. Reach him at 412-965-3278 or doster@535mediallc.com. See other stories, videos, blogs, tips and more at everybodygardens.com.

More from Everybody Gardens

Love of rhododendrons creates a lifetime of happiness in the garden.

Plant peas now, here’s how even if the garden isn’t ready.

Old garden journal reveals grandfather’s love.