May flowers

In my last column, I talked about April showers and why it’s so important not to lose sight of why the rain is necessary. It might sound cheesy to say that April showers bring May flowers, but it is true. The season of spring is an awakening; it’s a rebirth of nature.

There’s an old St. Paddy’s song sung by Bing Crosby called “Dear Old Donegal.” In the song, there is a line from it that is one of my favorite lyrics from any song. It says, “You’re as welcome as the flowers in May in dear old Donegal.” I always think to myself when I hear that song that is one of the nicest things you can say to someone. What a beautiful way to make someone feel welcome and wanted. Maybe it’s because I love flowers, but to think of embracing someone and telling them that they are as wanted as the flowers in May is just a beautiful sentiment.

The line from the song also makes me wonder what in my own life do I need to embrace? Are there things that I should welcome with open arms and the familiarity of an old friend?

The month of April is a preparation for a full rebirth of nature. April ushers in one of my favorite months of the year, May. Before I know it, I will see the return of my beloved flowers. Their bits of green have already been making themselves known in my garden so far. I smile when I walk out and see them because it feels like old friends are paying me a visit.

I look forward to the mornings spent on my front porch with a cup of coffee. I love seeing familiar neighborhood faces as they emerge from their winter hibernations. I can’t wait to spend evenings on the patio with the smell of the grill wafting through the air. I welcome this spring and what it brings with open arms and a grateful heart. After a long winter, we can’t take for granted the warmth of the sunshine and return of flowers. There will still be some rainy days, but the warmth is returning and so are our flowers.

I know at least in my house, this spring is certainly as welcome as the flowers in May and I could not be more grateful to see my old friends back in my garden.

Megan Rathz is a wife, mother, and teacher. She says everything she has ever learned in life came from her Master Gardener mother.