Garden Quotiness: Wendell Berry on the Benefits of Gardening

"One of the most important resources that a garden makes available for use, is the gardener's own body. A garden gives the body the dignity of working in its own support. It is a way of rejoining the human race."

I know I've felt this way. My body, so used to the bending, stooping, and digging involved in the day to day caretaking of the garden, feels alien somehow, just sitting here once the ground freezes. The first time I'm able to get out there in late winter or early spring, I feel invigorated, and, yes, connected to my fellow gardener. Even though it's the holiday season, I'm already looking forward to stepping out my side door and breathing in the scents on that first magical spring day in the garden. I'm looking forward to the sore muscles and mosquito bites. They are a sign that real work has been done in the garden.