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“To forget how to dig the earth and tend the soil is to forget ourselves.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi

All my life, I’ve been a gardener. It started early in life when I was taught about composting, mulching, digging, and just about everything related to gardening–although those lessons weren’t always appreciated! Especially when it came to what we kids called “hard labor in the red clay,” tilling and complaining. 

Later on, gardening became a need and a gift; therapy for the mind and body. As I continue to turn compost heaps, thank the bees, pull weeds, divide plants, root things, sweat and dig in Mother Earth, I always feel life and a sense of deep honor. Last week, the bluebird, wren, and chickadee babies fledged—I cleaned up birdhouses and old nests for a new batch.

Time and time again, the garden gloves get forgotten or tossed aside, and hands and fingernails feel that dirt, touch those leaves. So much for salon-perfect nails—not happenin’! 

There is nothing better for the soul than to feel the cool soil in your hands, to touch with reverence growing plants and old trees, to appreciate the ancient moss and ferns. I raise a grateful face to the sun, to the sky, to bird song, and listen, truly feel and understand. I’m honored to be part of it all. 

This ol’ girl will create and keep a garden wherever she goes–for a garden is hope, life, and a promise. 

This Mother’s Day, let us remember all mothers—including our Mother Earth. Happy Mother’s Day! 

 

• The last Storytime at Saluda Library of the season is set for May 16 at 10:30 a.m. The program will resume in mid-June. Readers aged 2-5 enjoy books, songs, and fun activities—a dance party with Polk County Parks & Recreation will take place after Storytime. 
• It’s getting closer! The 18th Saluda Arts Festival will be held on May 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will have music, food and over 95 artists! More volunteers are still needed to sign up for shifts; if interested, contact Linda Bailey at boblindabailey@hotmail.com. 
• Saluda Living in Place (SLIP) welcomes the 16-member Blue Ridge Bell Ringers for a performance of “Spring Dances” at Saluda School’s auditorium on May 21 at 4 p.m. This event is free; for information contact SLIP at (828) 749-0049. 
• Happy May Birthday to Amy Copeland, Corinne Gerwe, Chris Anderson, Mark Jackson, Cary Pace, Lisa Hipp, Trevor Young, Paul Marion, Jesse Thomas, Margaret Sease, Elizabeth Baldwin, Chad Baldwin, Lynn Cass, Thelma Jones, Betsy Burdett, Melia Bradley, June Taylor, Robin Kirby, Kevin Matthews, Susan Warrick, Robin Bradley and Stella Barnett. Add your birthday to the list! 

 

Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, (828) 817-6765, P.O. Box 331, Saluda, NC 28773, Facebook, or visit bonniebardos.com