Garden is growing

On August 19th, 2015, Oregon broke a record for the most days with an air temperature over 90 degrees.  This record coincided with a state and region wide drought that lasted longer than recently remembered, with large scale wildfires spreading across the Northwest.  A couple days after this record was set, winds blowing from Eastern Oregon brought a thick haze of wildfire smoke into the Willamette Valley and here in Portland.  Unhealthy air quality was recorded in places such as Beaverton and Government Camp.  The dark haze brought an eerie feel to the city.  I can’t help but take notice of changes to the weather trends, while being aware of the close connection to personal wellness that shifts in climate bring.

As a steamy August closed and the calendar turned to September, an arrival of the rains felt like an old friend returning from afar.  It also marked the right time to start growing the garden at the yurt.  What a joy it was to finally get going on this part of the project.

My objective for the first phase of garden planting was to start establishing the perennials that will fill in more with each passing year.  A combination of native, edible, medicinal, and ornamental species.

With the help of a great plant nursery, a friend’s pickup truck, several yards of high-quality dirt, and a little elbow grease, it’s amazing to transform a little plot of land.  The feel of nutrient-rich soil between my fingers. Thirsty, young plants drinking up fresh water.  Strong aroma of cedar chips spread along for walkways.  These parts filled my being with a sense of calm and presence in the moment.  All while further validating the benefits to bringing my office to the garden.  Now with each passing day, the garden will grow around us.

I received an email the other day from a client regarding scheduling.  As he signed off from his email, he excitedly stated: “And by the way, can we start planting sh*t.  I want to bring the supplies to plant some mint, it is big in my family’s country.”

Yes! We can start planting, and we can together.  And we can tend and nurture and water and observe your family’s mint, for the garden is growing.

 

 

 

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