Time to toil in the soil, feel the earth on one's hands and plant some beauty.

For the first time ever, I have successfully started several annuals and perennials from seed. Soon I'll set out to planting.

I figure with the high cost of everything that now is a good a time as any to plant my garden on the cheap.

So far, marigolds, lavender, morning glories, sunflowers, zinnias, among others have sprouted their way into the world.

Of course, I say I did this in order to save money but I'm a garden-addict and I can't stop. So that means that I'll still buy impatiens in full bloom and hanging baskets to cover the yard.

Recently, I've been wading through my muddy yard in hopes of spotting my flowering returns.

There's corabelles, daylillies, and more making they're way back from their long-winter's slumber. Daffodils are in full bloom and the irises are on they're way up. My peonies are awake and will soon give in to beautiful pink blooms.

Will I ever grow tired of this gardening gig?

I doubt it.

As each year I find my garden evolving as I transplant hostas and eonymous into sections of ground that were once bare. I probably won't ever stop. With each new season, I formulate ideas to mix this with that and add a pot of annuals here or there.

But, that is not my favorite thing about gardening.

It's about having a little corner of the universe. A spot that is your own creation. A place to grow your imagination.

As I've said before and I'll say again...

On any given warm-weathered night, you'll find me sitting on my porch with Sinatra in the air, citronella burning as the reflections of yellow burn heavily lighting up the dark air. This is where I long to be, with my family sitting close by listening to the sweet summer sounds as we breathe in the smells of the warm night air.