By Mary-Jane Pilgrim, Master Gardener

As the final days of the year tick past and the garden gets ready for winter, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the lessons that the past gardening season have meant to me. From the first tentative sprouts of spring to the vibrant foliage of autumn, many moments in the garden have been a source of inspiration and gratitude.

In the quiet solitude of my gardens, I find peace and beauty. The garden has tried to teach me patience as I witnessed the transformation of tiny shoots into flourishing plants, reminding me that growth takes time, both in nature and in life. Each new plant, bulb, tree and shrub has been a learning experience as I determine how best to care for them. Watering, weeding, watching things grow – it’s a simple kind of satisfaction. Success and failure are both reflected in the final layout at the end of the gardening season.

Fall brings a slow-down as the garden prepares for the coldest months of the year; dormancy for some, death for others. I’m grateful for the colours & textures in the autumn garden and the resiliency that many plants display.

As winter settles in, I’m grateful for the quiet months too. The garden might be sleeping, but it’s not forgotten. It’s there, waiting for the days to get longer and the sun to warm up the soil. I’m grateful for open spaces, hills, fields and parks nearby where I can wander through trees and rocks throughout this season, sometimes regardless of the temperature. I do have to admit that I’m not always a fan of the ultra cold, though!

Looking forward to spring, it’s like a natural reset button. New shoots, new colors – everything waking up again. Planning for the next season is already on my mind. What to plant, where to plant it – it’s the anticipation of starting the cycle all over again.

In this simple plot of earth that I call home, there’s a lot to be thankful for. The lessons, the wonder, the beauty – it’s all there, waiting for the next round. Here’s to another year of growing, learning, and being grateful for what the garden brings.