by Jean Greeley
A while ago after seeing the blanket of snow covering the pollinator garden and its “leaved leaves”, I was once again reminded of all the life forms alive and kicking beneath the surface and tucked into old stems. The plants’ roots are resting after a long busy summer of being good hosts to a multitude of insects. The plants offered their leaves to many species of butterflies and moths, and their flowers supplied nectar and pollen to the busy bees and wasps. In short, the native plants in the garden were excellent hosts, providing food and drink, warmth under a natural blanket, and shelter.
Many of us were busy hosting our own visitors during the past holiday season. We, too, provided food, drink, shelter, and warm places for our guests to hunker down for a while. Like the natural world, we also need a time of rest after a busy season. As the plant roots go through a period of dormancy, so do we go through a natural period of slowing down.
My Dictionary app defines dormant as “...in a state of minimal metabolic activity with cessation of growth, either as a reaction to adverse conditions or as a part of an organism’s normal annual rhythm.”
My Instagram feed describes our own time of slowing down as “This is normal. You are wintering.”
Whatever happens during the warm season in the garden, and whatever happens in the home after entertaining is over, there is the need for rest. And that is what I’m reminded of when I pass by the garden in winter, especially when there is snow cover - plant roots, insects and small mammals all resting under a warm blanket after a long period of work. And for those of us who are the tenders of nature and family, we enjoy a nice long cozy rest under blankets of choice.
Perhaps as you enjoy your rest you are also looking forward to outside spring activities. Only 63 days to go! Plan to join us or help us plan our park events. The first community volunteer day is March 22nd. Email info@brookdalepark.org to find out more.
A life long nature lover, biologist, Rutgers Master Gardener, and Rutgers Environmental Steward Jean Greeley conceived and brought to life Brookdale Park's Monarch Waystation & Pollinator Garden. We are always thrilled to share her enchanting reflections on everything happening in our pollinator garden.