b'The April GardenBy Bridgette CrosbyFor gardening tips and inspiration, text me at 480-235-8388.W hen I was a young girl, Iblooming or are they just starting? Have you seen remember how anxiousany bees or butterflies? And lastly, how does water I would be waiting forconnect everything?the spring thaw. Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, IKeep an eye on your soil and get ready to plant! loved the snow, but every year I got spring fever. IIs it cold? Is it warm? My father used to judge the would get restless. I couldnt sit still, and nothing I didwarmth of our soil by sitting down in the garden.could satisfy the hunger in my soul that only playingIf it was warm enough, we planted. You can in the dirt and planting seeds could satisfy.skip that step if you like and purchase a soil thermometer. I tend to like the old-fashioned Sometimes, I would complain when yet again,ways, as it keeps me humble and gives me timeanother snowstorm would hit, delaying spring. Myto connect with the Earth. mother, ever patient, would remind me April snow showers bring May flowers. What is true in the highMindfulness is an important part of gardening. It country is also true in the desert. Snow and rainallows you to relax and you will learn new things showers also bring forth desert flowers and as a result,about your little plot of heaven. Put down the we are blessed with water, that beautiful, necessarycell phones and just spend time in nature. Start thing, so essential to life.a garden journal, plant a pollinator garden, or create a rain garden. Celebrating Earth Day is This month in the garden, I would like to encouragea perfect way to begin. Connecting to nature, you to slow down and take time to notice the littlecherishing the Earth, and enjoying spring will things. Signs of spring are everywhere, but do youbenefit you, your family, and your planet more truly know what is happening? Do you understandthan you think. and see how rain affects your garden, yard, or container garden? Are your trees and plants alreadyHappy Digging! Photos by Bridgette Crosby22 April 2023'