Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 16 · column 1 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
By Donna LaPre
Rappahannock News Writer X. For many dyed-in-the-wool gardeners, the lapse of abundant bloom between fall and spring is probably the most keenly felt absence in the garden. Although I have winterinterest shrubs, houseplants and the odd blooming flower here and there to fill the gap, flowers are not what I miss the most.
No, the greatest garden deprivation I feel is contact with the dirt. Soil, dirt, earth, by any name you choose still smells as sweet to me. Having my hands in the soil, feeling the texture and vitality of life in healthy loam is my first garden love.
It is not just the sensory pleasure of smell, touch, sight, which is the basis of my well, ir&mate connection with dirt, but also the idea of the soil setting the stage for everything wonderful that happens in a garden. Good garden soil is teeming with life — just think of how many angels dance on the head of a pin, then apply that concept to the microorganisms in a fleck of soil.
Often, when working with soil, insight or inspiration will pop into my head, in answer to a question or problem I’ve had. The earth is actually speaking in this way, communicating its life -giving nature.
What is soil, actually? If people were more aware of the complexities of soil life, perhaps more respect and awe for the dirt beneath us would exist. There is at least as much life below the soil as above it.
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