Nothing says hopeful like the arrival of seed catalogs in the mail or in-box. No matter how bleak the weather or world affairs, seeds mean new life and beauty. They represent fresh starts and endless possibilities. That’s not a metaphor. Seeds actually mean life goes on. We plant a tiny kernel and a new plant manifests in our garden and lives. Planting a garden or even a few pots on a patio is an act of hopeful resistance to the seeming vibration of gloom on the planet.
If defeating the vibration of gloom isn’t enough to get you gardening, there are some practical reasons as well. Growing our own plants provides sustenance. Home grown fruits and vegetables are delicious and fresh. (You can’t get anything fresher.) Gardening brings beauty and joy into our lives and reminds us of our connection to the green world. Putting our hands in the soil grounds us in the here and now almost instantaneously. And, of course gardening counts as physical activity so if you are working on your 10,000 steps you might as well count them outside in the garden.
I honestly can’t think of any reasons not to be gardening. So make a plan for a garden, patio pots, or an indoor growing space. Plant some new life and hope as we start the new year.
Some of my favorite seed catalogs are listed below. I dare you to look at them and not order anything.
Seed Catalogs 
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds – a strong commitment to heirlooms and organic growing. If you don’t understand how beautiful vegetables are, you need to see this catalog.
Seed Savers Exchange – a non-profit dedicated to keeping heirloom plants alive and in circulation.
Territorial Seed Company – an Oregon company with lots of good choices and information.
Richters – a Canadian company. My first purchase of medicinal herb seeds was from Richters many moons ago.
Renee’s Garden – a Boulder Colorado company with a commitment to heirlooms and organics.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds – an employee owned company with a great selection including medicinal herbs.
Stark Brothers Nurseries – I have had great success with berries and fruit trees ordered from Stark Brothers.
Thank you for the seed purchasing sites. After talking recently to a few friends who garden, I decided that buying seeds and planting a garden are often two entirely different things. Some people told me they buy seeds but rarely get to planting them. I rarely buy seeds but now always plant a garden. Interesting that both activities, separately, can give one hope and help feel creative, mindful, and even joyful.