Winter in Canada is generally long and cold, but this year has been more frigid than most. In fact, this February has been the coldest ever on record, and even some winter enthusiasts are starting to dream of warmer temperatures. How wonderful, then, to realize that today is the half-way point between Groundhog Day and the First Day of Spring.
This thought came to me yesterday, when my sister, Jennifer, posted a lovely picture of a favourite house on Facebook; one that is not only architecturally attractive, but also a home that practices environmental sustainability in the landscaping of their property. Jennifer recently completed a Landscape Technician Diploma program, and is looking forward to warmer weather so that she can put the landscape design skills she learned and her vision of sustainability into action.
My husband and I are also looking forward to warmer temperatures and continuing the transformation of our own front yard; from ratty, patchy lawn to environmentally sustainable plants, ground cover and a semi-permeable flagstone patio. A friend of my sister’s actually designed the original plan a decade ago. Last year, with Jennifer’s knowledge and guidance and our considerable research and perspiration, we finally began turning inspiration into implementation.
The bitter cold and snows of winter in Canada are sometimes hard to take; but, I think they help us appreciate the other seasons even more. Under all that ice and snow outside, lies this coming spring and summer's long-awaited greenery and colour. Sooner than we think, we'll be trading in our snow shovels for spades and hoes and weeding implements, and the bitterness of winter will become nothing more than a distant memory.
So, here's to the half-way point!
