Read by Matilda Longbottom

In the heart of February’s chill, Summer finds its way to my doorstep—not in the form of sunshine or warmth, but through the mail. Bundled in layers against the frosty air, I venture out to the mailbox, anticipation warming me more effectively than any coat ever could. Amidst the mundane bills and adverts, the sight of seed catalogs poking out brings an instant thaw to my frozen fingers. For at that moment, Summer has arrived.

Returning indoors, cheeks rosy from the cold, I become the embodiment of Winter’s embrace, yet my spirit dances with the promise of Spring. Clutched tightly to my chest are the treasures of the season: the precious seed catalogs. With a cozy sweater and a steaming cup of tea, I settle down to savor the first taste of Summer. Each page is a canvas, adorned with vibrant tomatoes, verdant cabbage, and sunflowers standing tall against a backdrop of blue skies. Roses grace the pages, their names like whispers of warmer days: Careless Wonder, Moon Shadow, Fragrant Cloud.

In this moment, I do not gaze upon my own garden, dormant beneath the snow. Instead, my vision stretches forward to June, when the earth will awaken, and I can lose myself in the rhythm of Summer evenings. Enormous pumpkins, slender eggplants, and a rainbow of beans beckon to be planted. Pansies, from Johnny Jump-Ups to Majestic Giants, will find a home, alongside beds bursting with marigolds and congregations of gladiolas.

I am a gardener, and though February may stretch on endlessly, Summer always finds a way. It arrives when I nurture seedlings under fluorescent lights, when I meticulously plan each bed on my clipboard, and even when the snow still dances outside my window. With the arrival of the first seed catalogs, Summer is here. ❖

About the Author: Ann Pedtke has been homeschooled throughout her life. While she finds her passion in wielding the pen, her mother’s love for gardening has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature. Together, they eagerly await the arrival of seed catalogs each Winter, heralding the promise of warmer days ahead. Ann’s piece, “Summer in February,” captures the essence of this anticipation and the joy of gardening, offering a glimpse into her world of greenery and growth.