8 Things that make me happy. (Garden Edition)

Some of y'all may have seen these lists bumping around in the blogger world and so I too will list what makes me happy (or just 8 of them as it takes very little to make ol' girl gone gardening happy). Here they are in no particular order:

1) Starting plants from seed.

Sure, sometimes there is some cursing involved like "Oh crap-noodles! MOLD!" but overall it is an engaging and fun experience. I love starting things from seeds so much I don't care what it is I'm starting or even if I have room for it beyond the seedling stage. Too bad some of my readers aren't also my neighbors or you might find freebies on your doorstep all the time. I mean I even start roses from seed and who in their right mind would rather start a rose from seed then buying a nice size bush? Me, That's Who!

2) That first vine ripe (fill in the blank).

Be it the first tomato of the year, the first apple, the first strawberry or the first wild berry in the woods, eating the first of anything is an honor and a celebration.

3) Walking barefoot (and sometimes bare!) in the garden or the woods.

OK, so my neighbors are a bit too prudish for me to walk in the garden naked around here but if I had a tall fence, you betcha! There is nothing like the feel of really being close to nature. With nothing between you and the dirt. Which brings me to number 4-

4) Dirt.

I'm a dirt magnet so I might as well enjoy dirt. This is why I can't wear white ever. I don't have to go in search of dirt, dirt finds me. IF I drive by a big pile of dirt it follows me home. Dirt is my manna. Dirt is fascinating. Making your own dirt is fun too. Composting RAWKS!

5)Critters.

Be it cats in the garden, birds or bugs, I love seeing life in the garden. Sure, occasionally I get a rabbit with an appetite for something I don't want consumed in one night, or the deer come and eat your Halloween decorations, but to me having a garden is a way to connect with nature and a little bit of wildness is very much appreciated.

6) Snow

Especially snow balls. (Cue Evil Laugh) Trespassers beware!!!

7) Trees

I'll admit it. I've done my share of huggin' them.

And last but not least:

8) Flowers

Wildflowers, flowers, I love em. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE them. Show me a flower and I can't help but smile. I especially love wildflowers that grow in the wood and ditches, in the meadows and in the alpine rocks. And there is something magical about the belly flowers that bloom in the desert in which you have to lay on the ground to get a good look at.