There is simply no better time to visit a nursery than in early spring. Before all the hoopla of April, while there is still a chill in the air and perennials are just beginning to emerge, the thousands of white labels speak volumes to a gardener with any knowledge and a little imagination. The slow walk through the hundreds of pots and labels often motivates the visitor to prod the soil in search of growing tips that clearly isolate the fullest, most hopeful specimen. There is always one that's just bigger and better than the rest and today it may be spirited out of its pot and placed in a new home. This is quiet time, no need for assistance, the mind is intent on the job at hand as there are so many labels and so much to imagine. Time is unimportant, most things are unimportant because the spirit of the visit is to just enjoy the moment.

On occasion the fingers get cold and the wind seems raw, there is always the greenhouse to visit and get warm. At this time of year the greenhouse is filled with green, it's an intense study in the many shades and forms of green. It spills from hanging baskets, covers flats as they sit on the floor and billow from pots on benches. All of this a reaction to the wonderful environment of a greenhouse. The air is full of humidity and easy to breath, full of the rich odor of water meeting fresh soil. No need to speak, no desire to be spoken to...the feeling and touching of lush greenness is so powerful in early March. On occasion a flower rises out of dense mats of green and its quality is indescribable. Those first flowers of spring are always so magical. A stark contrast to the sleeping plant world outside. Its ninety degrees with the sun and it quickly heats up the multiple layers of clothes. The first thing to go is the hat, the hat has to go! Then the coat and then the sweat shirt... ahhhhh! Labels to read, so much to imagine.

It's called nursery Zen and students of this seasonal experience know that it requires no timetable and comes with no pressure. Like all good things it leaves you feeling relaxed, fulfilled. What a simple pleasure.