Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter; each season has it’s own rhythms, beauty, and needs. Year-round, we observe, learn from, and are in relationship with this meadow and forest land we are fortunate to call home. The beginning of Spring is marked by dancing honeybees on tender fruit blossoms, carpets of dandelions and violets, which too swarm with pollinators. The hens are busy foraging, the pigs and sheep enjoy the sweetness of bright green grass. Mushrooms fruit from damp forest logs admist a sea of ramps, trillium, and bluebells. The energy and work of the Farmer grows just as the day grows longer.

 

As Summer approaches, seeds and seedlings find themselves at home in their garden beds, the chamomile and calendula, the peppers and beans, and on and on. The return of laughter of young folks on break from school, spending the Summer together working in the gardens. Our pair of scarlet tanigers return, along with the monarchs. Every color of wildflower shines in the heat. Strawberries turn to blueberries, to raspberries, blackberries, and then elderberries. Our daughter stands by the peach tree planted in honor of her birth, ready to pick the first ripening fruit. Next it's cherries, plums, pears, apples, and figs. Grapes to be picked and stomped into wine. The harvest. The celebration. The preserving.

 

The goldenrod in bloom is our trusted Autumn greeting. One last press of honey. The orange glow of Maples at sunset. Baskets full of black walnuts. Garlic and flower bulbs tucked deep into the earth, while gardens are blanketed with compost and leaves for the cold and freeze ahead, and to replenish what was given. How lucky we are to keep planting with the protection of tunnels, for nothing tastes better than frost-sweetened carrots, spinach, kale, and greens on a January day. The wood stove is lit, and beyond the daily chores, we rest. We reflect and dream, and make plans, for soon the maple sap will flow and we will begin again.