A Long Winter Makes Spring Feel Sweeter
Spring has sprung, and I could not be happier.
I’ve been waiting a long time for this. This winter felt especially long and brutal for Benji and me. We hunkered down through much of December and most of January, tucked away from the cold, gray days that seemed to stretch on forever.
But now? I can feel the shift.
The light is changing. The air feels softer. And all I want to do is start planning my garden.
Dreaming Up the Garden
There is something so hopeful about spring gardening. Ordering seeds, dreaming about what will grow, deciding where to tuck in lettuce, carrots, herbs, and flowers — it all feels like an act of faith. A promise that warmer, brighter days are on the way.
I’m already thinking about digging up part of my backyard… again. Every year I tell myself I’ll keep it simple, and every year I find one more patch of earth I want to turn into something beautiful and edible.
Time for Cool-Weather Planting
This is also the time for cool-weather planting. Lettuce, carrots, and other spring-friendly crops will be going in soon. With a little care, patience, and sunshine, I’ll be eating fresh greens by May. My little indoor “greenhouse” will get spruced up too, ready for trays of seedlings to stretch toward the light.
I love every part of it — tilling the soil, getting my hands dirty, checking on tiny sprouts, and watching something small become nourishment.
Where the Love of Gardening Began
I think part of that love began with my grandmother. She had a massive greenhouse, and stepping into it felt magical. It was warm, fragrant, alive. You could feel the care in that space. There was beauty everywhere, but also purpose. Food, flowers, growth, healing — all living together.
That feeling has stayed with me.
Gardening as a Way to Heal
Gardening connects me to something deeper. It reminds me to slow down, to pay attention, and to trust the process. You can’t rush a garden. You prepare the soil, plant the seeds, tend what’s growing, and let nature do the rest.
And when those fresh foods begin to arrive, there is nothing better than turning them into simple, nourishing meals.
Spring Mix Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
One of my favorite ways to celebrate spring is with a fresh spring mix salad and a bright lemon vinaigrette.
Salad Ingredients
- 5 cups spring mix greens
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup thinly sliced radishes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds
Lemon Vinaigrette
3 tablespoons olive oil
1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Pinch of sea salt
Fresh cracked pepper
Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together until smooth. Toss with the spring mix and vegetables just before serving. Top with cheese and nuts or seeds for a little extra flavor and texture.
Simple. Fresh. Full of life.
A Season of Hope
Spring always feels like a return to hope. And for me, it often begins in the garden.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before beginning any new herbal regimen.
