That time I perused my ample seed collection in mid winter, I took note of those two packs of sweet peas I'd purchased, but never planted. This year, I determined, there would be sweet peas to pick. There's never lack of intention around here when it comes to all things lovely; it's the execution of them that springs a leak sometimes. Good thing for second chances.
They said it would drizzle on Sunday afternoon, and the skies looked for all the world like any minute they might. I figured a little water never hurt anybody (God made us washable), so out I went with my shovel and rake, the wheelbarrow, and a small dish of soaked sweet pea seeds. Right over to that old section of fence between the larder and the creek. It was as good a place as any with its ready-made trellis of sheep fence on which the flowers could climb. The soil was like loose, black gold once all the tall grass had been removed, and come noon every day, the sun'll douse it well (and if I can help Nellie understand that this spot is for flowers, not fur babies, all should be well).
As I poked the swollen seeds into the soil, I remembered recent words from another woman who loves to garden. In offering new-gardener advice, she said simply: seeds want to grow. That's enough to make us all breathe easier, seasoned and newbies alike. Give them a light covering of soil, some water, warm sunlight, and there they'll grow. Thank goodness for that. Thank goodness that we don't have to be experts, every one, to give seeds a chance to be a miracle before our eyes.
How about you? Have you had an opportunity for second chances, lately? Have any seed packets come to light that you'd forgotten about?
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