It’s exciting when a passion and opportunity come together. The Dunnville Horticultural Society (DHS) was scouting a writer for their monthly column. Since I enjoy gardening and writing, I knew this was a match for me.

Every person is passionate about something. Nature is one of my passions. Nature’s beauty has surrounded me at every stage in life. At an early age, we took walks along the picturesque Niagara escarpment where we lived. Growing up in a family of gardeners instilled a love for gardening. My dad was given his own garden plot at age 4. At age 83, he still grows amazing vegetables and fruit. My mom makes delicious preserves. I enjoy creating “porch pots” for all seasons.

Just as nature has its seasons, so too life has its seasons —some tranquil, some more turbulant. Most of my adult life was lived in Waterloo where I studied, worked, and, as a single mom, raised two sons. In 2010, I was blessed to remarry (a nature soul-mate) and move back to Niagara. Our new family grew to embrace 4 children and spouses, 8 grandchildren, a dog, and 3 grand-dogs.

Gratitude, awe and serenity describe the gift of nature at this stage in my life. Author John Muir says, “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul.” This is my experience with nature.

Our gardening passion is also nurtured as members of DHS. Every monthly program brings new learnings and friendships. You don’t need to be a member to attend. On Feb. 18 Theresa Forte (garden columnist, photographer, & award winner) will be speaking. “If You Plant It They Will Come: Bees, Butterflies, Birds.” 7-9pm, Optimist Hall, 101 Main St. W., Dunnville. Hope to see you then.