All clichés stem from a truth

Green shoots, new dawns, fresh starts.

Like all clichés, they stem from the truth.

Humans have an in-built need to believe that dark times will become brighter.  We need to know that we can begin afresh.

At first glance, the garden looks mostly brown.  Damp and squidgy underfoot. Too much grey mist.

Once you see a green shoot, I find that you can't stop seeing them. 

In the garden, green shoots are literal indicators that brighter things are on their way. 

The winter is a strengthening time in the garden. Roots are put down in the dark days when less energy is needed to support the plants above ground. By rocking the plants, wind strengthens the roots. 

Plants do much of their most important stuff quietly and completely out of sight.

Let's learn from that. It's still time to hunker down, rest what needs to be rested, quietly build what needs to be built.

This year, some of those that I love have started building new lives and new business. It's never not scary. It's always worthwhile.

Right here rooting for you. 

(ha!)

And by the way, keep your eyes open for snowdrops. Wow, they are beautiful. Fabulous dancers in any breeze. Sadly, I think ours must have been baked dry in that last scorcher of a summer. A reminder to plant as deep as you dare.