Growing. In more ways than one.

I have been working in all sorts of weather recently, freezing, wet, windy, icy, slippery, muddy. I love the wind but I am not so keen on muddy and wet. Soil cakes your feet, gloves need replacing every so often as they get wet through. You can't reach your secateurs without undoing layers (or ripping one side of your coat zip which is what I always end up doing). Layers get in the way, ride up, fall down and it is like trying to work in a space suit (I imagine. I have never given it a go).

Whilst I have been struggling along continuing to prune, prick over, dig, rake, weed, edge, cut back and pick up, all the while I have been drifting off into the warmer months in my head.

Earlier this week I saw a great cartoon depicting an image of what people see on the outside as success (an iceberg being success above the water, whilst what people don't see is all the work going on under the water. Determination, failure, hard work, good habits).

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CWwEGoYWsAAKjpe.jpg

It resonated with me as in my job in Horticulture, most people I see in the gardens when they are visiting, see the gardens in full swing. Most people say "aren't you lucky?" and "what a fabulous place to work?". Yes I am. Yes it is. BUT Winter is tough outdoors. You need to be focused. You need to be strong. You need to be resilient. Just like those seeds we sow and the plants we nurture through the frost and pests to grow. I too, am growing, as I work.

I know it will all be worth it. The Smell of the Daphne 'Jacqueline Postill' wafting past me right now in February. The buds pushing up from the soil from Peonies and Sedums. The Snowdrops dotting the floor with white beauty. The Sweet Pea seeds I have pushed into wet compost, urging them to come up after just one day!

It is all on its way.