Susan Cox
We’ve had spring-like weather off and on for the last few weeks, but spring officially arrived yesterday. I’ve been enjoying the warmer temperatures, the sunshine and the signs of spring. Daffodils are blooming, blossoms are appearing on trees and the grass is starting to grow. I’m happy to shed a few layers when I go running in the morning, and I’m itching to get my yard all cleaned up.
Spring brings excitement and possibilities. Things feel new and fresh. This could be a good time to revisit goals you set in January. Are you making progress? Do you need to adjust your goals or set some new ones? A couple of friends recently shared some ideas they use. One focuses on one thing for a month and then moves to a new thing the next month. For example, learning how to draw better this month and journaling every day for the next month. Another friend suggests taking a broad goal like learning to play the piano and determining what you can accomplish in two weeks.
Maybe you’re like me and the springtime enthusiasm propels you to work in your yard. While the weather is warm, it’s not too hot yet, and the break winter provided means yardwork hasn’t yet devolved into drudgery. Spring yardwork reveals new growth, and I love watching new plants and leaves emerge greening up the drab, bare landscape. Be careful to not to get too thorough in your cleaning in this early part of spring though. Many pollinators spend the winter in the leaves left on the ground and others hibernate just below the soil’s surface. Cleaning too early exposes these insects to possible freezes. Emily Baker, a Purdue Extension master gardener, recommends waiting until the apple and plum trees have bloomed to do your cleanup. In early spring, I usually focus on picking up the sticks that have fallen over the winter.
You could also start planning your garden — flowers and/or vegetables. You can start seeds inside to give them a head start. If you need seeds, visit the Cleo Seed Share at the Bartholomew County Public Library where you can “check out” some seeds. Seeds are free and you don’t even need a library card. The library encourages you to save seeds at the end of the growing season to replenish their supply.
Perhaps the change of seasons encourages you to do the typical indoor spring cleaning. We’re nearing the end of a remodeling project and taking care of the dust that has permeated the entire house is on my to do list. As I return items to the new kitchen cabinets, I plan to only keep things we actually use. Decluttering can be freeing and provide more space both physically and mentally. If you do part with things, give those items a new life by donating them to places like Sans Souci.
The warmer weather might beckon you to spend more time outside. Stroll the People Trails and read the current book in the StoryWalk at Blackwell Park. The Bartholomew County Public Library changes the story every month. Find a nice spot outside and read your own book. Have a picnic in Mill Race Park or Donner Park. Run, walk or bike to support the Columbus Park Foundation by participating in their Tour de Trails or their Total Eclipse of the Parks events (see columbusparkfoundation.org/cpfevents for more information). Sign up for spring sports (see columbusparksandrec.com) or just play outside in your yard or neighborhood.
I’m sure we’ll still have some cold days, but the trend is warming. Enjoy this transitional time and the excitement that comes with spring whether you reexamine your goals, clean outside or in, plan your garden, or just spend time out in our beautiful world.
Susan Cox is one of The Republic’s community columnists, and all opinions expressed are those of the writer. She is an avid reader, an outdoor enthusiast, a mother, a grandmother, and an adjunct instructor of English at Indiana University Columbus. Send comments to [email protected].
