PHOTO BY BARRY McNEES
I HAVE OFTEN SHARED HOW MUCH I LOVE TO MOW THE LAWN — that ’ s my zen time — so I was a bit worried when we decided to let a good portion of our yard go wild a few years ago . But today , we are amazed at the number of volunteer trees and flowers that have surfaced . We really have created a little forest — the birds and butterflies are so happy .
We ’ re just as amazed at the way that the few acres of wildflowers my cute husband planted years ago have spread . What started as a way to offset my habit of always keeping fresh flowers in the house has become something grander and more beautiful than I would have imagined . Each year , we marvel in surprise at the layers and layers of vibrant flowers that surround us .
This summer , we planted new seeds — a few dozen lavender plants of various varieties — and are anxious to watch them develop and grow for years to come . I ’ m sure they ’ ll surprise us too .
Growth is an incredible thing . As much as we like to tinker and fuss over things in an effort to help them along , sometimes you have to let go to grow . Or , as the IT folks like to remind us , things usually work best when you unplug , pause and start fresh .
We have all sown new seeds this year , tried new things and experimented with letting go of what was so routine to explore new directions . Now , lets all give ourselves permission to pause and let those seeds take root . Growth will happen , and it will surprise us in the most wonderful ways . We are a young industry , after all , with much to learn as we cultivate our future forest . n
— LYNNE MCNEES , ISPA PRESIDENT
CONNECT WITH ME ON FACEBOOK ! Lynne Walker McNees
64 PULSE ■ AUGUST 2021