Read by Natalie Carmolli*

In the midst of a sticky Manhattan summer in 2005, my search for a new home led me to an unexpected discovery – a small image of a tree trunk and green bushes. Little did I know, this image would mark the beginning of my profound connection with seasons and the role they play in nature and gardening.

The three-bedroom apartment in Yorkville, nestled among elderly residents and school children, came with a surprise – a 1,000-square-foot private outdoor space. As a city dweller accustomed to small urban rentals, the concept of a proper garden space was foreign to me. Excitement filled me as I embarked on a gardening journey, unknowingly transforming my life over the next 17 years.

The garden, initially perceived as a collection of trees and bushes, evolved into a sanctuary of Pyrus calleryana, Betula papyrifera, Lonicera periclymenum, and Acer palmatum. The metamorphosis continued with visits to various garden centers, and each plant, stone, and wood plank became a cherished addition to my growing oasis.

Through budgeted phases, the concrete on the lower level gave way to local bluestone, and the juniper was replaced with begonia, fern, hosta, ginger, Solomon’s seal, witch hazel, and cherry laurel on the upper level. The labor of love extended to installing a fence, creating proper beds, and adding softscape to the ground with river rock.

As Winter descended upon my garden, the first four years were challenging, with a longing for more evergreens to break the monotony of bare branches. Frustration turned to enlightenment during a visit to a friend’s Winter garden. The barren landscape revealed its own magic, teaching me the importance of seasons, cycles, and the earth’s rhythm.

Apologies were offered to my garden as I embraced a newfound understanding and appreciation for the restful Winter period. The ivy’s curled tips, the hard soil left by variegated brunnera, and the fallen hostas became symbols of nature’s need for rejuvenation. Gratitude extended to sidewalk trees surviving within limitations.

Classes at the New York Botanical Garden and day trips to Harriman State Park became my avenues for deeper knowledge and connection. Forest messiness and fallen trees were no longer signs of death but parts of nature’s cycles, mirroring my own garden’s journey. Patience grew, and I welcomed the changing seasons with open arms.

Today, my garden stands as a testament to the harmony of nature, a place where time lingers, and seasons unfold at their own pace. Spring is no longer rushed; it is awaited with gratitude, understanding, and a deep connection to the cycles that govern us all. ❖

 
*Voiceover by Natalie Carmolli with Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs.

About the Author: Janice Kim is a Korean-American writer based in NYC, mother of two, lucky friend to many, an aspiring vegetarian, a student of yoga, Buddhism, all things chlorophyll, all things design and zumba!