Imbolc is one of my favorite holy days. It is one of the four cross-quarter holidays, which mark the half-way points between solstice and equinox.

I love Imbolc the most, because it’s when the plants start to return above ground. And boy, it hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday, as it does every year, how much I miss my green friends. And I am grateful for any reason to celebrate their return!

Really looking forward to the plants here. Everyday joys. First you get the little shoots, the crocuses around the middle of February. Then the dead nettle, the chickweed. Botanical names in Latin rolling through my head…

Soon, oh! the daffodils. Then the Bradford Pears… meh. (I would love to love all plants, but I have not learned to love Bradford pears yet.) But the Redbuds! Cannot wait to see them bloom again.

Then the tulips, the mayapples, the elder. Starting the vegetable garden. Harvesting nettles, dandelion, mint, dividing and sharing raspberries and other lovelies. I do so love the warming up months.

I can’t wait. Imbolc through summer Solstice is my favorite time of year, hands down. The feast of Brigid.

Mayapple
Mayapple, mid April

Lettuce
Lettuce, mid April. Delicious salads, oh boy!

mustard greens
Mustard greens & zucchini babe, late April

peas
Peas, late May

poppy
Poppy, early June

Monarda
Monarda, mid June

Raspberry
Raspberry, mid June

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go plan my garden! Blessed Imbolc.