Mend your garden

Sometimes, after a busy December, you deserve a big January 1 banner that proudly says, "Congratulations, You Made It!"

The critical pieces of our winter work are also some of the most challenging. If I'm being honest, it is easy to lose sight of the happy moments when my TO DO list has grant writing and budget planning on it.

Thankfully, a new month has arrived, and I am again imagining how to work with optimism and joy. The poet Mario Quintana  wrote:

"Don't waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come."

That may be valuable advice for anyone making plans this year.

• Whether you are hoping for flowers, fruits, or vegetables, all the work starts with the ultimate symbol of believing something can become much more than it looks. The act of planting a seed despite the challenges ahead is pure optimism.
  
• So much of your planning and what you want to do will depend on the unpredictable weather. On top of that, you'll battle with pests and weeds long before the butterflies show up. The only thing for sure is that you'll need to adapt and adjust.
• There is also little about gardening that lends itself to a comfortable routine. It is complicated work that will keep you on your knees and toes. Every season, you need to try different varieties and techniques. You must also explore better ways to design the garden as you learn more about nature's intricate dependencies.
• Mending your garden requires resilience and learning. More often, it is learning from your mistakes
  
  

I hope we can all "Grow Healthy Together" in 2024.

The good news is that resilience and learning are healthy expressions of personal growth. Phoenix Community Farm provides plenty of opportunities for our staff and volunteers to practice these skills.

Stay tuned for opportunities to volunteer, shop, tour, learn, and see all the butterflies at Phoenix Community Farm this year.