Grain Rains - Last Frost, Rice Seedlings Grow
Spending time outside allows me to listen to nature and live on a different scale of time. Days seem to pass me by and I am mixing up Mondays with Fridays, but when I am outside I know what time it is. According to the 72 Microseason Calendar of Japan, it is the period of Grain Rains and the smaller division of the Last Frost, Rice Seedlings Grow. This calendar has entertained my daily thoughts for years because I adore phenology, and one day hope to translate the happenings to more relatable ones in the Midwest. For now, this calendar will do. (More on the calendar can be found here: https://www.nippon.com/en/features/h00124/japan%E2%80%99s-72-microseasons.html )
Ample, purifying rain falls today and will continue into tomorrow. Timing seems to be true.
My wish is to begin recording more of my daily findings and doings on this platform to see patterns over time, and more so I hope to illuminate the live’s of those reading, if only for a sneeze of a moment.
Jumping in to the gardens, began weeding a hillside at a client’s property in Northern Illinois. It serves as the backdrop to a tranquil, romantic view of a mighty cottonwood. For 30 years or so land was let go and competition began between weeds. Three years ago they purchased the property and began creating paradise, plantings started shortly after and are continuing. This week we hope to plant some Monarda, Penstemon, Echinacea, Aster, Epimidium, etc.
To left, removing unwanted to make room for desirable perennials. Tossings are place on a ‘Hugelkultur’ in back of property, essentially a compost hill that will oneday be planted. What a joy it is turning wastes into products!
To right, white trout lily.
This week I assembled my Bonsai Bench, a site for my trees to stretch out and suntan comfortably. Stained wood to match porch backdrop, today’s rain is wicking away and flowing back into pond to be cycled through fishes gills that feed our resident great blue heron. Today I applied fertilizer to some bonsai, organic makeup and in somewhat unflattering, yet compostable teabags…may look into options of placing directly on soil but we have lots of curious birds and high winds that may take the nutrients away. This allows me to apply as much gas to the pedal for pushing the tree’s growth and progress. No steroids here, just humble sun, oxygen, water, and healthy soil life.
Listened to a few podcast gems, as always. I enjoy working most days without any music or podcasts, birdsong and winds keep me informed and motivated. Commuting to and fro, as well as morning runs is when I make time. This week:
Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry - ep. 126 Dennis Vojtilla: Part Two. LOTS OF BRAIN EXPLOSIONS. Further understanding deciduous species. Dennis’ mantra - simple methods, applied consistently, over a long period of time equals breathtaking results.
On Being with Krista Tippett - ep. 829 Stephen Batchelor. Learn to be alone peaceably, at home in oneself.
The Disclosure Podcast: Earthling Ed - ep. 10 Staying Hopeful & Present in the Face of Animal Exploitation - In Conversation with Jo-Anne Mcarthur. Bringing light and conversation to the animals “we” eat, wear, test on, and enslave yet rarely see across the globe. Let us turn these tragedies into positive actions to help our fellow beings!
NEW Rachel Sermanni’s Finger That Points to the Moon - ep. 1 The Inner Critic & Other Stories. Rachel explains her relationship with creativity and inspiration, as well as ignites curiosity. Soothing and conjures hope.
Already worded out. Have not spent much time writing these days. I’ll keep practicing to build endurance and leave you with some photographs to mull and steep in your own time.
My best,
-M-
