Scatter seeds like wishes, and love will grow

I love spring.

I’m antsy to clean up garden areas, and plant things.

There are green blobs already sprouting in various tubs throughout the yards. Could be weeds. Could be flowers. Could be one of a thousand seeds I planted last year coming back to life.

There’s a sense of promise in the air. Anticipation. Hope.

As a kid, I’d all but throw a party when the seed packets showed up in store aisles. I’d have to pick up and read each packet, explore the garden pots, the figurines, windchimes, the works.

Fast forward a few decades, and not a lot has changed. During the darker months of winter, I’d thumb through seed catalogs dreaming up different garden plans.

Once it started warming up, I was happy to gather up my daydreams and sit on the front stoop. It was still too early to start digging but I’d walk around envisioning what I’d plant in each area. And I’d talk to whatever critters happened through while on my tour.

This year, we have the same feral cats, assorted bugs, some rogue chickens, and Chicky, the not-my-peacock peacock. We’re friends now. He’ll see me with the corn scoop and come running. More often than not, I get a brilliant feather dance from him; I’ve even gotten in a few pats along the way.

This year’s plans include a plot of catnip and a bug garden in the middle of the back pasture, right next to the old wooden bench. The bench needs a facelift, and I’ve been wanting to create a special area in memory of my dad. This seems like a good time to do both of those things.

I’m mildly obsessed with Seedles, a small company that makes wildflower seed balls. Their slogan is “Grow the Rainbow,” which fits my gardening philosophy. Between the bug garden and the wildflowers, I’ll have a pollinators’ paradise.

I remember hearing a saying as a kid that stuck with me. Scatter seeds like wishes. I have no idea who said it originally but love it.

In my kid’s mind, I had this notion that we could scatter seeds like wishes, and love would grow.

When I walk through the yards now, I have to squint to see the future beauty. I can picture myself sitting on the refurbed bench amidst a sea of wildflowers and pollinators. It’s peaceful. Soothing. A place to recharge, and just breathe.

Scatter seeds like wishes, and love will grow.

Patti Dobson writes about faith for The Eastern New Mexico News and Quay County Sun. Contact her at:

[email protected]