Serve

I have fond memories of sitting around the kitchen table with my mother and sister, making Valentines for our friends and aunties, cutting out flocked roses from an enormous book of wallpaper samples, and adding doilies and crepe paper ruffles. Our mom encouraged handmade cards for every occasion, especially Valentine’s Day, a tradition I delight in upholding. For me, Valentine’s Day is about connection and affection, not empty signifiers of romantic love.

I’m excited to leave 2025 behind and stride into 2026. I am also eager for all of you to participate in the Valentine Extravaganza, the little sister of fundraisers! Bring a friend! Bring a container to buy plants, boutique items, and raffle tickets. Please bring your favorite thing about the garden club and share it!

I am pagan at heart, and I love the echoes of the old traditions during this time of year. The history of Christmas is a tapestry woven from different cultural threads. Long before Christianity, many cultures celebrated festivals during the Winter Solstice. During the holiday season, take time to reconnect with the ancient links between this time of year and nature, and rediscover the real spirit of Christmas.