Watching things growing as I walk is about my speed
May 2025
by Margo Oxendine, Contributing Columnist
Isn’t it amazing what a little warm spring weather can do to one’s psyche?
There’s an extra hour or two of daylight. The sun is finally shining, and you can get out and get your hands in the dirt, planting all sorts of pretty flowers, herbs and other plants. Many of you have already started, I’ll bet.
I have not. And sadly, I will not. Unlike my mother and sister, I do not have a green thumb. Even perennials seem to wither under what might be called my “care.” I wasn’t always this way. I used to plant flowers and herbs that actually grew. But then my knees began to give out, and it became simply too difficult. I remember the last time I tried to plant things. I spent the day getting all sweaty and getting my hands dirty (which I do not like, by the way). Then, I went up on the porch, looked out at all the plants, and shouted: “You’re on your own!”
My dear, late mother had glorious gardens. My sister still does. She seems to be able to grow things even in the dead of winter. My mother kept roses, among other things. She could be seen outside every morning in a big sun hat, pumping something from a spray canister onto them. And boy, they thrived.
Mom even had what she called “the church’s garden.” It was in a raised bed and featured glorious gladiolas, purple flowers that may have been lupine (what do I know?) and lots of colorful zinnias. Every Saturday, she’d go out to the church’s garden, make her selections, and then create at least two lovely bouquets for the altar. My sister does the same thing. I feel rather ashamed of my laziness and lack of skill when it comes to planting.
I am also somewhat afraid of the water hose. Yes, I used to have a hose on a reel that I would drag around the front, back and sides of the house to water the plants. It was always kinking, and I did not like using it. I also discovered that hornets build nests underground to ambush those of us who are simply trying to make things grow.
There was once a fellow who showed up to help with the yard. Right off the bat, he got stung. Do I need to mention that he hasn’t been back?
Myself? I am happy to have warmer, sunnier weather, which makes my daily walk through the woods so pleasant. All sorts of flowers, trees and bushes appear like clockwork. I look forward to that.
May is my favorite time of year to walk because those danged gnats are not yet out in full force. The ticks are present, sure, and I detest them, but they’re not quite as pesky in May as they are later in the season. I try to avoid walking on the grass, but I have a sneaky suspicion that ticks can also lurk in the trees and drop down on you.
For now, I will just continue to do what I hope you are all doing: enjoying the merry, merry month of May!
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(courtesy Olga Ionina via Adobe Stock)