Green Fingers: Great expectations and reality check
There are an increasing number of people who will balance out the eating, drinking, sleeping and TV by taking time out in the country walking the beaches, hills, lakes, rivers and Greenway.
The year has been one roller coaster, just moving on at a quicker pace. We are already in Christmas week. While it came at a rush on the weekend, it is over just as quickly leaving many of us totally exhausted and needing a break.
The traditional Christmas season has faded quite a bit from former decades when there was a comfortable routine to the whole affair and it appeared more relaxed. It was people orientated with a strong faith.
I think most people would agree that they were some of the most peaceful and happy times and that there is some regret that materialism has crept in so much and become a dominant force.
Everyone has their own idea or opinion about what Christmas means to them, regardless of where they are coming from. We now have a large number of people in Ireland from other faiths, traditions or none, the vast majority of which do respect each other’s celebrations and festivals whenever they occur.
If you have great expectations for Christmas you might be disappointed so maybe lower your desires into a more modest quest and you cannot go wrong.
The reality is you cannot force the change that you might be looking for and it is best to accept whatever comes around with a smile. But that is not to say you have to change your mind about anything as people will see you as an individual and might adapt some of your ways. What we all wish for is a peaceful time with family and friends and maybe share some food, fun, comfort and company.
There are an increasing number of people who will be proactive and balance out the eating, drinking, sleeping and TV by taking time out alone or with family and friends and head out into the country walking the beaches, hills, lakes, rivers and Greenway. Being outside in the fresh air is one of the most health-giving aspects anytime and reduces your risk of catching an illness. Spending time in the garden and finding some tasks that will warm you up is a bonus. Chopping wood, pruning or trimming overgrown plants, clearing out briars and ivy, and digging a plot of ground for the spring are some suggestions if you need them!
We are relying for colour on those plants that flower during Christmas and into January. They include Mahonia, Hellebores, Viburnum ‘Deben’ & V. tinus and Erica carnea. These are all useful for indoor decoration too.
I should just like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all who have contacted me in the last year with comments, sharing ideas and making suggestions; it shows that there are many people who share and enjoy being out and about in nature in many different ways and so to one and all “A happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year”.
We brought out our bird feeders last week and within a few days all the usual types were back and helping themselves to our food mixes. We are using a combination of feeding stations for Niger seed, which the gold-finches love, the mixed seed which all birds will eat, the meal-worms for robins and peanuts and fat balls, which all birds will feed on.
If you have any queries or comments you are welcome to share them with me on 051-384273 or orchardstowngardencentre@hotmail.com and if of general interest I will include it in a future article.
