My Teacher, The Butterfly Garden

Three important reminders from sowing spring seeds

The fresh season finally invited me in. Or, perhaps, I finally accepted the invitation. With dreariness and rain behind us for now, I spent time outdoors, tending to the garden. Sowing seeds to attract butterflies and pollinators turned out to be the meditative experience I needed. I’m now feeling more hopeful for the season ahead and the beauty in change it may hold in store.

Zinnias, calendula, echinacea, cornflower, wallflower, and other beautiful buds will soon sprout, welcoming with them butterflies, bumblebees, and all kinds of loveable pollinators to our small outdoor space. Shared with the building’s other tenants, it’s mostly a stone patio but it has a small plot for gardening.

My neighbor motivated me through action to begin the beautification process. She cleaned out the gunk and blown-in garbage that sometimes comes with city life and filled in the garden with soil. I chose a section of the plot and moistened it before scattering assorted seeds gently. I then planted a butterfly garden-in-a-pail kit, which my cousin gifted me years ago, not long after my mom died. I’ve hung onto it all these years because my previous apartment didn’t have sufficient light to nurture the plants. Now that I’ve relocated to a new space with plenty of sunshine, I’m excited to finally see the zinnia blooms. They will be a lovely reminder of my mom and cousin both.

Gardening time turned out to be essential for me. As I got into the task, I realized I needed the reminders my garden had in store.

Patience

This past year has been an extended practice in patience and at times, it has felt fruitless. There’s been a whole lot of waiting and very little payoff. I know I’m not the only one who hoped it would all be over by now.

My lack of enthusiasm for the new season has definitely been connected to fatigue. I’m tired of staying in, being without loved ones, hearing distressing news, and worrying about others who are having a harder time. It’s difficult to stay motivated and positive with everything that’s going on.

Emerging to greet the spring head-on this weekend and planting a garden was a healthy reminder that waiting can lead to beautiful growth and vibrant new beginnings. Like so many others, I have put a lot on hold since March 2020 and there are days when that hold feels like a stop. But it’s not. The seeds I have been planting for my life and future are simply germinating in this time, as are yours. Seeing my plants sprout and grow will be an ongoing reminder that patience leads to new and worthwhile things.

Acceptance

I really lucked out with my neighbours when I moved to my apartment but it’s not where I thought I’d be right now. It’s a secure place where my partner and I landed when safety became an issue at our previous home but we had dreamed of making a bigger move last year. We wanted to leave our city behind for a new adventure. We still do. But since that new adventure remains on the horizon, for now, we have to make the most of where we are.

I spend plenty of time daydreaming about the next step but I mustn’t forget to live in the moment and savour the experiences I can have while still in my hometown. I can get more time with my friends and family nearby, more chances to enjoy my favorite spots in the city and more opportunities to set the building blocks in place for the life I want.

Planting seeds was a way to accept being where I am for now. I improved the space I have available and created an area I can enjoy with others as we watch the dance of pollinators this summer. I also made a habitat for critters trying to make it in an urban jungle.

Finding ways to live in and enjoy the moment is always important. Making now as pleasant as possible is a positive way to feel empowered.

Hopefulness

By spreading seeds this weekend, I opened myself up to possibilities — of spending time with friends in my backyard, of seeing colourful butterflies and bees while basking in a patch of sun, of bringing joy to my neighbours. I’m typically a very hopeful and optimistic person but I’ll admit that my disposition has been up and down lately. I’m grateful for my time in the garden, which helped me recalibrate and catch my balance.

When hope feels dim, it’s time to reignite it. How amazing is it that such inspiration can be found in your own backyard or just beyond?

If you’ve also been feeling hopeless, impatient or resistant lately, I encourage you to get your hands dirty and start a new butterfly garden from seed. Use a blend that is native to the area you live in and spend the next couple of weeks tending to it. You can use a garden plot or put seeds in a planter on a balcony or a porch. It doesn’t have to be big to be impactful.

Enjoy the process. Watch the seeds grow and discover the impact on your wellbeing. Remember to come back and share your experience in the comments. I’d love to hear about it.

Rachel Ramkaran is a Canadian author, editor, poet and flow artist. Sign up for her newsletter to stay connected and receive monthly editing and creativity tips, captivating stories, and more.

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