In recent weeks I’ve been on a begging mission — making the rounds of small cafes, contacting friends and neighbours — asking for the emptied two-litre beverage cartons that I convert into seeding flats for growing flowers and vegetables from seed to transplant size in one container.
My usual source for the cartons had dried up suddenly and seeding season was fast approaching.
I took a sample flat fashioned from a carton with me on my rounds, to help explain my request. Interesting conversations ensued.
“Gardening!” responded one of the cooks behind the deli counter of a health food store. “Apart from a few potted plants, I’m sorry to say I’ve never gotten into it.”
“Don’t be sorry. It happens to be an absorbing preoccupation of mine. Others have different activities and hobbies that instill a spark of joy in their lives.”
Her face lit up. “Mine is crocheting.” She pointed to the store nutritionist, who was wearing a rather spectacular toque, created by the cook.
The encounter made me think: Just about everyone I know has something in their lives that brings regular moments of delight.
Some are besotted with a grandchild and become absorbed in plans for activities together. Another friend has become wholesomely addicted to swimming in the ocean year-round, except for the iciest and stormiest winter days. Her sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks proclaim the activity’s benefits.
Baking, cooking, carpentry, hiking, pottery and quilting are more popular interests that help to keep the light alive in some people’s lives.
For others, having a puzzle of some sort to sit quietly down with provides an oasis of rest and calm in a busy day.
Perhaps reflecting the many and varied personal points of light in our daily lives are the festivals of light celebrated by major religions. Next week there is the Christian Christmas honouring the “Light of the World” and the beginning of Hanukkah that celebrates freedom. Candles are lit in a menorah. Lighting candles is also a feature of Kwanzaa, respecting African-American culture. Diwali is a festival of light for Hindus.
All these festivals of light are reminders to celebrate also the many different kinds of spark that light the fires of our joy in living.
Cabbage and calendula. Two weeks ago I set off up the long incline of the back garden to the top, where there are four vegetable plots, fruit trees, strawberries, kiwi vines and a fig tree. My mission that Saturday was to pick the last of the kiwis and gather the few fall cabbages left in the garden.
Still half-way up the incline and moving toward the plot housing the cabbages, I spotted a broad patch of bright orange and yellow. Coming nearer, I realized the calendula (pot marigold) plants that self-seed freely in that location were in full bloom.
The name of this plant is from the Latin calendae, meaning the first day of the month. The allusion is to the plants’ ability to flower in every month of the year, at least in their native Mediterranean regions. Here, calendula is a hardy annual or short-term perennial that can bloom in mild winter weather. That December day felt almost balmy with temperatures hovering between 9 and 10 C.
The nearby cabbages that I harvested were quickly consumed. Shredded cabbage stir-fried in butter makes a quick side vegetable, plain or with various additions such as slivered onion, apple, raisins, or a dusting of nutmeg.
Another favourite cabbage dish is coleslaw: Shredded cabbage and apple, grated carrot, chopped bok choy (or celery) and currants in a mayonnaise, maple syrup, lemon juice and nutmeg dressing.
A very merry holiday season to you all. May you delve with delight into moments that are cozy and warm, restful and comforting. May you be enveloped in the love and caring of family and friends.
GARDEN EVENTS
Abkhazi Garden holiday season. Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Rd. in Victoria, is hosting a Festive Weekend Market today and tomorrow, Dec. 21 and 22,, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be festive swags, table centres, culinary wreaths, birdseed teacups and more. Until Dec. 29 the Teahouse is offering a Festive High Tea. Reserve at 778-265-6466. Details and hours open at . Abkhazi Garden and Teahouse are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and from Dec. 30 to Jan. 14.
