by Linda Wiggen Kraft
The end of the calendar year for gardeners is like the quiet time at the end of day, when adults tuck their children into bed, read them bedtime stories and say goodnight.
Gardeners can do the same as gardens are tidied and tucked to bed before the long winter’s rest. Using the classic and beloved Goodnight Moon as inspiration, a gardener can say goodnight to their garden as the final gesture of fall. Create a “Goodnight Garden” by making a list of the things loved, enjoyed and important from last season’s garden. Find words that rhyme, and let the writing of Margaret Wise Brown become your muse. Let creativity flow, even if it sounds silly. Here’s one version of saying goodnight to a garden.
In the great garden of green
there are memories of the growing season to be seen.
The herbs of parsley, rosemary and sages
and the towering tomatoes grown in cages
The glorious colorful flowers
that rejoiced in the rain and gentle showers
The honey, mason and native bees
that pollinated the fruits of the trees
The tall evergreen white pines
that sheltered birds and climbing vines
The dogwood with robins,
eggs and babies in the nest
the parents seldom getting a rest
The garden bench and nearby chair
the soft breeze and fragrant air
The sun, moon and stars watching from above
knowing the gardener and garden
were united in love
Good night garden of green.
Goodnight all to be seen.
Goodnight flowers. Goodnight
gentle showers.
Goodnight bees. Goodnight trees.
Goodnight pines. Goodnight vines.
Goodnight robins in the nest.
Goodnight babies giving them rest.
Goodnight garden bench and chair.
Goodnight fragrant air.
Goodnight sun, moon and stars from above.
Good night gardener and garden united in love.
Goodnight now to chilled winter’s air.
Goodnight gardens everywhere.
Linda Wiggen Kraft is a landscape designer who creates holistic and sustainable gardens. She is also a mandala artist and workshop leader. Visit her blog: www.CreativityForTheSoul.com/blog or website: www.CreativityForTheSoul.com. Contact her at 314 504-4266.