Read by Matilda Longbottom

Chapter One: Roses, Hopes, and a Big Win
It was a cold January day when I stumbled upon the “Winter Blues Cure” series—free gardening workshops at my local nursery. As soon as I mentioned it to my 8-year-old daughter, Tanna, her eyes sparkled with excitement. We signed up for the first session on growing roses, and that Saturday, bundled up in our warmest coats, we set off for an adventure.

The workshop instructor, brimming with enthusiasm, walked us through the art of rose gardening, covering everything from pruning to fertilizing. While I scribbled notes like an eager gardener, Tanna snacked on cereal bars and sketched remarkably detailed roses. By the end, we were both captivated by the idea of bringing a rosebush home.

When the grand-prize drawing rolled around, I dared to hope. As luck would have it, my name was called! Tanna’s face lit up as I handed her the winning ticket, and she joyfully accepted a beautiful yellow rosebush. The other attendees applauded, though I caught a few wistful glances—they, too, longed for a piece of Summer in January.

Too cold to plant outside, we placed the rosebush by the sunniest window at home, where it thrived, budding with promise. The next workshop? We’d be there, hopeful for another dose of magic.

Chapter Two: Orchids, Snacks, and a Purple Surprise
February brought another workshop: orchids. This time, my 4-year-old, Celeste, joined me. She marveled at the exotic plants while I listened attentively to the instructor, who waxed poetic about “rainforest jewels.” At the end of the session, Celeste’s name was drawn as the winner! She bounced up to claim a stunning purple orchid, aptly named “Magnificenta.”

Back home, Celeste and I carefully repotted her prize in bark chips and placed it near her window. Our little indoor garden was thriving, and we were hooked on this new Winter tradition.

Chapter Three: Berries, the Double Win, and a Happy Kid
When March’s berry workshop arrived, my son Nico was all in. The instructor shared secrets for cultivating strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, and Nico absorbed every word. During the raffle, Nico’s name was drawn—and he walked away with two strawberry plants. His pride was unmatched as he planned their sunny spot in the garden.

Chapter Four: Pollinators, Wind Chimes, and Mars Serenade
The pollinator workshop was a chance to break our winning streak and simply enjoy the company. When someone else finally won the grand prize, Nico and I applauded heartily. But we didn’t leave empty-handed—Nico chose a beautiful “Mars” wind chime as a consolation prize.

Now, the chime sways gently by our walkway, serenading us with every breeze. Our windowsill garden blooms with life and love, proof that luck isn’t just about winning—it’s about sharing joy and growing together. ❖

About the Author: Dana Zullo lives in Georgia, where she finds inspiration for her poetry, floral art, and lighthearted stories in everyday joys. Her work has been featured in Paprika Southern, Front Porch Review, and GreenPrints. Dana, a devoted gardener and floral artist with the Ichiyo School of Ikebana, also shares her passion for art through her residencies in SC, AR, and TN. A former Peace Corps art teacher in Ghana, she now crafts whimsical tales of family adventures and the beauty of growing together.