January appreciation–it can be hard

January 11, 2025

Here we are in January–its cold and can be dark and gloomy. So how to appreciate it?

January is named for the great Roman God Janus. This God could look to the front and to the back–seeing both the past and the future–thats a lot right? But really his powers were far greater. Janus was a God of practical importance. When asked by mere mortals assistance could be given to turn dreams into reality. Janus had the power to help the followers to see and understand what actions were needed to recognize an abstract goal and take the necessary actions to make it real.

There seem to have been other powers but those seem quite enough for us to think about in this time of the year that can seem a bit bleak.

In fact it seems very possible that Janus was fond of gardening and was able to use the powers to make gardeners happier.

Well it is hard to say it was all a very long time ago now–but some things don’t change. We want things to be brighter and more cheerful. we know we can’t just wait for it to happen–its up to us–we are going to have to be inspired by ancient wisdom but we are the ones who must make it happen. OK lets turn the idea “make things brighter” into action to make it so. Remember–no just hoping for a good day–make it a good day!

Let’s decide on what to do:

Go and pick some of the lettuce and arugula in the garden make and enjoy a salad–delicious and healthy too.

Take a walk around the yard–Yes its cold but the hellebores are starting to bloom but you will never know unless you go out and look. Winter honeysuckle is covered in lovely white flowers a treat for people and bees but again it requires a good close look those flowers are beautiful but they are small.

Houseplants are right there for enjoyment. Don’t take them for granted and let them become just part of the furniture. Of course do the routine care but take the time to really look closely they will appreciate it and you will reap the benefits. Even the most common of the plants are amazing on close inspection.

Even January can be a wonderful time for gardeners. Lets learn from Janus and take action to make it so!