When I see dirty garden gloves, it only means one thing! Somebody’s happy! Somebody’s been diggin’ in the dirt…planting, weeding, cultivating soil, and pruning. For me, those days help me dig  down to my core as well…my cares disappear and get buried in the dust as I prune out old dead branches, and redesign my garden with a fresh new look. It may only need some replacements with just a few plants, or I may embark on a complete transformation, but it feels good and freshens up my garden giving it new energy. When this process begins, I find that I get energized as well, becoming absorbed in the renewal. It gives me such a feeling of satisfaction and delight. I find that dirty garden gloves initiate dirty jeans. I often use an old chair pad to knell or sit on, but I can’t help getting into the dirt as I reach for a stem or weed to toss. As I sometimes crawl into spaces only meant for bugs and snails, I search out dead leaves and branches. Resembling my dog when she’s found a good stick or buried bone, I toss and scratch in the dirt with tremendous satisfaction. Sometimes the only right tools are hands and knees. I have some faded, flowered slip-on canvas shoes that have seen their better days, but I’ve spent many of my happiest hours in those shoes. They are part of my “gear” for chopping, snapping and raking. As I get a little older, I enjoy taking on a section at a time, so I can go back the next day or so to enjoy another section of my renovation. Each time I finish and look back at what I’ve done, I feel so alive, and likewise given new life to my garden. In the wake of this transformation I catch sight of my overflowing trash can waiting for the mulch pile. My vision magically transforms it into a glowing trophy of my efforts as I gaze with excitement to the next patch of garden waiting for some therapy. So, I dust off the gloves, and stamp my feet…give those jeans a shake and smile. I know they will be there waiting, just as I will for another happy day…another pair of “Dirty Gloves”. Then treat myself to a glass of iced tea as ideas dance in my head for the next round of renovation. It’s always fun to visit with you like this…sharing my stories and thoughts on life in my garden… I’m just thinking the best gift I could give you would be to wish you many “Dirty Glove Days” in your garden too.

Jackie Jesch