Summer thoughts

The glorious days of summer are upon us. What a delight to have long days for all our favorite outdoor activities. Even as the day length wanes, ever so subtly, we still feel that we are getting a full measure of light sent as a gracious complement to our interests. There is plenty of time to get things done and to entertain in the warmth of lingering sunsets or in the cool of the midday shade. If ever there were a season for entertaining, this is it, if you ask me. Certainly the other seasons offer their own virtues but nothing beats the languorous summer season for bright and breezy opportunities at every time of day. Let's not forget the chance for warm summer night dancing on the terrace when colorful paper lanterns may illuminate a sociable crowd. I'll have a chilled Rosé with that!

Summer means the advent of so many things to everyone, not the least of which are (in no particular order of importance): boats in the water flying colorful pennants, delivery men in shorts, hay-scented country drives, home gardens of bright flowers and sincere vegetables, outdoor concerts, impromptu bicycle lunches in the park, desserts that take advantage of fresh fruits such as cherry clafouti, the call of mourning doves (not those screechy recent tropical arrivals), the sound of a screen door closing, summer dresses, the supremacy of the gin and tonic cocktail or the ice cream from Tastee Freez. Many of these elements touch a fond chord in some of us.

I love being in my little garden where I can observe and cultivate and learn. Most of this practice (if doctors practice medicine, why can't gardeners practice gardening?) allows me quiet time and physical exertion at the same moment. Grubbing away at the dahlias to incorporate compost into the soil is a highly recommended activity for the serenity it provides; likewise with spider lilies and amaryllis. It's the time for dividing and sharing those early spring bloomers so that you don't wait too long and let the fall season get ahead of you. Share them with your fellow practitioners sooner than later. It's better to disturb them now and allow them to recover than to dig and transplant with the shocking onset of cooling weather. They may survive such a transplant but not flourish as they ought to.

It's funny how some people approach garden tools. Take trowels. They're simple. They're utilitarian and they have a singular purpose. Who would guess that there are so many ridiculous variations on this theme at the stores? The handles, the blades, the angle of attack and the heft are all up for grabs in the world of designer tools and consumer appeal. Even I can be accused of prejudice. I used to think a garden trowel was a straightforward implement. Not so! My all-time favorite is more of a scooper than anything and it has a serrated edge. It was a gift that I received with some suspicion and it sat on the shelf for a long time because it didn't conform to my idea of a proper trowel. Now the sight of it evokes summer to me and I wouldn't garden without it.

Warm summer kisses,

Celeste