Spring Awakens: Navigating Gardening in a Changing Climate

This piece reflects on the journey from winter to spring on a farm, exploring the realities of gardening against the backdrop of climate disruption and adapting to nature's rhythms.

Spring is upon us, and with it arrives a contemplative question for gardeners: How do we grapple with the disruptions introduced by climate change? On a farm in western Pennsylvania, the seasons remind us of nature's unpredictability and the hopes we harbor for our gardens.

Throughout winter, emotions were stirred by the rare calls of birds, accompanied by the relentless stillness around. Winter passed slowly; the few birds that lingered didn’t quite fill the silence. However, as spring begins to break through, the unmistakable sound of red-winged blackbirds signifies renewal. Meanwhile, snowdrops defiantly pierce the thawing ground.

In an attempt to nurture the remnants of last year's blooms, potted tulips and hyacinths have been moved to a warmer environment. Yet, the vegetable patch lies locked in icy decay, while the flower beds, still cloaked in winter's leaf mulch, present a desolate view. Attempts to protect vulnerable plants from deer raids have been somewhat effective, but the persistent creatures still feast on ornamental shrubs.

The winter has sparked a longing not just for gardening tools but for restful hibernation itself. There’s a beauty in embracing the serene quiet of the season—walking through snow-laden woods, tracing animal tracks, and observing ice patterns decorating the pond. It’s a time for introspection—reflecting on the past year while flipping through garden catalogs to dream of warmer days, a practice every gardener knows well.

In the poignant words of Vita Sackville-West, the gardener's heart oscillates between dreams of what is possible and what seems impossible. Yet, uncertainty looms larger than ever. With memories of an unyielding growing season last year, self-doubt arises: How can I adapt to the changing realities brought forth by climate disruption? Such questions sit heavy on the mind as the new season beckons, urging all gardeners to rethink their plans and resilience in the face of unpredictability.