I’ve always enjoyed the four seasons we experience here in the Midwest.  From a design perspective there’s nothing more beautiful and inspirational than the change in seasons.  From the lush textures, green and bright colors of summer foliage, to the vibrant yellow, orange and red hue of autumn leaves to the crisp, clean look of fresh snow blanketing our world….to finally the rebirth and awakening of everything in Spring…a new bud growing upon a gray, desolate plant stem reminding me that life is always present.

Each season introduces us to a new journey of activities too.  Summer time treats such BBQs, street festivals, visits to the ballpark, outside concerts, fireworks. And then long summer days give way to Fall time football, back to school excitement, crackling and crunching sounds of leaves as you walk and the crisp feel and smell of the first cool day.  Winter invites us to go sledding, to make snowmen, have hot chocolate, enjoy the holidays….Spring time…ahhh!!…March madness (I love college basketball), the sense of freedom on the first days of the year when you’re not bogged down with a coat and communities awaken as people come out from hibernation and linger outside …the list can go on and on…..

The cyclical nature of these activities and change of season always brings comfort to me because of their familiarity, yet at the same time I enjoy and welcome the change with each season and the new adventures that I know life will present that I will experience for the first time.

However, it’s always about this time of year when I’m sooooo ready for Spring.  As February soon comes to a close and March is nearly upon us I know we’ll have some warm days here in Chicago where some buds will start popping up, the gray and dark muddy ground will get a little more green and the world around me will be out and about.  Sure, it may snow the very next day, but there’s the glimmer of hope that Spring is around the corner!

That being said, one of my most favorite spaces of our home is our tiny garden shared among our neighbors   You see, here in Chicago, having any size yard is quite a prized possession and in my opinion having an outside space (big or small) is one of the few possessions worth coveting.   I enjoy how our little garden soaks up each season and our families’ activities in it’s own unique way.

{Our Garden in the Fall}

{Our Garden in the Winter}

{Our Garden with signs of Spring}

Today I’m dreaming of  the warm spring days ahead.  You see, I love gardening.  It’s something I’ve enjoyed with my mom since I can remember.  It’s very cathartic to get down with nature and turn the soil with your hands.  It reminds me it’s the simple things in life that are so rewarding not to mention it’s gratifying to see all your hard work grow and evolve with time.  It’s also simply put…pretty.

{Our Garden in the Summer}

I also start dreaming about one of my other most favorite things to do…al fresco dining.  Per wikipedia,  ”al fresco dining is eating outside (from the Italian words “al fresco” = outside, at a fresh temperature).   In temperate climates it is especially popular in the summer months when temperatures and weather are most favorable.  It is a style of dining that is casual and often party-like in its atmosphere.”   I mean really how can you not LOVE this?!

Our garden has really cultivated much more than plantings over the years. It has also helped create a sense of community with all the good meals (often impromptu) , good wine and laughs shared with our neighbors, friends and family.

It is this thought that makes me smile today and the fact that it’s my Dad’s birthday.   I dedicate this post to my Dad who is no longer with us, but who still keeps my heart warm each day and who has cultivated along with my mother a beautiful family…a garden that keeps growing with the seasons because of the strong roots they have created together.  Plus, similar to how al fresco dining was defined above, my dad was always up for a party-like atmosphere.  Cheers Dad!  Happy Birthday.

Until next time….

~M

{Here’s some other favorite outdoor spaces I’m admiring on this cold winter day.  I would love to explore and share a meal with my friends and family in these spaces.  Wouldn’t you?}