A Good Day in the Garden

By Garden Manager Dan Shook

In the book “The Seasons of Harold Hatcher” chapter one starts with “Spring” and begins simply “Spring comes to Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve on the wings of robins . . .”, words which I can only add to in a humble way. The gardens awakens with daffodils scattered in waves throughout the woodland below the gathering sounds of birds and surrounded by the perfume of the winter honeysuckle and edgeworthia. The turtles, or as a young volunteer informed me, the “yellow bellied sliders” make their way onto the logs in the ponds to warm in the sun. The melody of water throughout the garden reminds us of time and our origin. Soon the new leaves will push out and insects will lay eggs and hatch as the birds pluck their larvae for food so they can lay their own eggs. Rest is over and it is now time to do what each does best. Our role is to protect it and learn from the rhythm of nature undisturbed. Visit to slow down and notice. It is a good day in the garden!