My grandmother introduced me to Hal Borland’s works as a child. She used to read Borland, almost like a devotional, seeking his wise words on nature daily. His writings show that he is a kindred spirit with his words about nature and the earth.
In his book, Sundial of the Seasons, today’s entry states, “The gardener and the farmer can’t keep their hands out of the soil, now that the lasting snows and the deep ice are gone. It isn’t so much that they are impatient to plant; they know full well that you plant in season. It’s simply that they must touch the good earth, feel its grit and its strength between their fingers, and renew contact with the source of all good and growing things.”
I am fortunate to work again at Groff’s Plant Farm in Kirkwood, Pennsylvania, this spring. I have worked there off and on over the years. It is a place of my heart and great peace. My family and I call Groff’s “Longwood for Sale.” It is such an incredible place to work and purchase plants. Kris and Jon Barry, owners, have created a wonderful haven for gardeners and plant lovers. In addition to being a fabulous place to purchase plants, there’s an army of caring individuals who care for the plants until they are released for sale in the coming weeks.
I don’t think people know or understand the work of raising these plants for sale. We work as a team to fill thousands of pots with the dirt machine, plant tiny seedlings raised in a propagation house, or plugs purchased from wholesalers. My colleagues care for each plant, carefully planting, pinching back if necessary, watering, and watching as they grow. It’s a hive of workers helping plants flourish. It’s clear that they love plants, too, and we have wonderful discussions on plants and gardens. I am always in awe at the management, care, and execution of bringing plants to the public. Jon, Kris, and my colleagues have my greatest respect. Working with the plants brings joy. My husband teases me about the good ‘plant energy’ I soak up each day I work. He’s not wrong.
We’re in a fever now, as opening day is March 29th at Groff’s. Gardeners are intrepid souls and will flock to purchase plants as soon as possible, or at least begin to look around and dream of this year’s garden. As Borland wisely states, we need to get our hands in the soil.
Sundial of the Seasons by Hal Borland. NY: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1964.
Thanks to: Photo by Gabriel Jimenez on Unsplash
