The Awakening of Spring: A Time for Renewal

As the cold and dark winter months slowly fade away, nature begins to awaken from its slumber, signaling the arrival of spring. The world around us is transformed as flowers bloom, trees bud and the earth comes alive with vibrant colors and scents. The return of spring is a powerful reminder of the cycles of life and the never-ending process of renewal.

Embracing the Transformative Energy of Spring

As the days grow longer and the weather becomes warmer, people are naturally drawn outdoors, where they can enjoy nature's splendor and feel the sun's warmth on their skin.  This renewed connection with nature can positively impact mental health and well-being. To fully embrace the spring season's transformative energy, take a leisurely walk in a park or stroll through a botanical garden and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. Take in nature's beauty and let all its sights, sounds, and scents wash over you. Let your senses guide you as you observe the shades of green emerging from the budding trees, smell the delicate fragrance of flowers beginning to bloom, and revel in the chirping of birds rejoicing in the return of warmer weather.

While the renewing energy of spring is certainly seen in the natural world, it also provides an opportunity for humans to shed the heaviness of winter, renew their hopes and optimism, and ask themselves what they want to create moving forward. Spring is a time to take stock of our lives and make changes, from cultivating new habits to bringing our dreams to life.

Allow this experience to bring about a sense of renewal within yourself – an opportunity for a fresh start after months of darkness and dormancy. Embracing spring's energy can help us shed our winter blues and fill our hearts with hope and optimism for brighter days ahead.

Exploring the Enchanted Ashton Gardens

One of my favorite ways to connect with nature during the spring is visiting local gardens and parks. In my community, there is a beautiful garden called Ashton Gardens that I love to explore. Walking through the gardens, I am struck by the intricate beauty of the blossoms and the way they seem to dance in the breeze. It's a powerful reminder of the incredible creativity and abundance of the natural world.

Founded by the Ashton family in 2002, the gardens were designed to promote peace and create a serene environment for visitors to enjoy. With over 55 acres of themed garden and water features that include ponds, streams, and fountains, Ashton Gardens allows visitors to soak in nature's brilliance while connecting with their inner selves.

Of Ashton Gardens' fifteen different gardens, my favorites include the Rose Garden, which is stunning each summer; the Italian Garden, with its fountains and bubbling ponds; and the Secret Garden, where I love nothing more than finding a hidden corner to sit with a good book. These are all beautiful places to spend time with yourself and reconnect within.

The Tulip Festival: A Spectacle of Nature's Brilliance

The Tulip Festival, which features fields of vibrant flowers that welcome spring with their stunning beauty, is one of my most cherished experiences at the Gardens. This annual phenomenon features over 280,000 tulips that come alive with kaleidoscopic hues. The display typically lasts from the first week of April to the middle or end of May, though the weather can hasten the tulips’ departure or lengthen their stay.

Walking through the Ashton Gardens during the festival is like entering a world of enchantment. The vibrant colors of the tulips against the garden’s lush greenery create a breathtaking display of nature's beauty. You'll find tulips of every shade imaginable, from deep purples and blues to soft pinks and yellows. Some of the most stunning varieties include the fringed tulips, with their delicate frilly edges, and the parrot tulips, with their distinctive flamboyant petals. The subtle fragrance of the blooms adds to the splendor of the display with an extra layer of sensory delight.

Exploring Ashton Gardens during the Tulip Festival is an experience that fills me with joy and appreciation. While the tulips are the festival's highlight, there are many other attractions, such as live music, food trucks, and a lovely farmers' market. The garden also offers numerous photo opportunities, with breathtaking backdrops perfect for capturing moments with family and friends.

Finding Serenity in the Light of the World Garden

When Ashton Gardens opens yearly, one of my stops is the Light of the World Garden. Spanning over 2.5 acres, this garden is dedicated to the teachings of Jesus Christ. It features a stunning array of sculptures and scriptural passages that reflect His message of love, compassion, strength, and grace. The tranquil atmosphere of this garden is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Every time I visit, I feel like I've been transported to a world of unparalleled beauty and peace. While there, I always make it a point to sit across from the Statue of Christ, as I find it a poignant reminder that no one is immune to life's trials and tribulations. I am inevitably moved to surrender, pray, and reflect upon the boundless possibilities that stem from faith.When I leave the Light of the World Garden, I feel a sense of inner peace that lingers for days. The garden serves as a reminder that taking a moment to pause and reflect can profoundly impact our lives. It doesn't have to be in a grandiose setting like this one, but finding our own spaces of serenity is essential for our well-being. As I return to my daily routine, I hold onto the gratitude and hope that come with knowing such a beautiful place exists and look forward to my next visit.

Savoring the Delights of Trellis Café

I like ending my day at Ashton Gardens with delicious soup or salad in the beautiful Trellis Café. I’m a creature of habit. Every time I go there, the lovely manager knows what I order and seats me at my favorite table outside so that I can continue to enjoy the garden while I eat. Their tomato basil soup is very popular, and the manager has generously shared their recipe with me so I can share it with you.

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Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Perfect for an easy weekend lunch. You can serve it with your favorite bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

The recipe is courtesy of Chef Rand Oertle.

Ingredients:

1 T extra virgin olive oil

One large medium diced yellow onion

Four cloves of chopped garlic

Two two-pound cans of diced or whole tomatoes

One small can of tomato paste

2c water or chicken stock

1-2 cups whipping cream (optional)

½ cup fresh basil (or 2T dried basil)

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.

Method

Sauté onion in olive oil on high heat until translucent, about 5 minutes.  Add garlic and tomatoes with juice. Add tomato paste and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer for 10 min.

At this point, it should be chunky and starting to thicken up. Remove from heat and puree in a blender in half batches. You can also use a stick blender to puree the whole batch.

Return to low heat, add cream and fresh basil.  Bring back to boil for 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Yield: About 8 cups.

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Concluding Thoughts: Embracing Hope and Optimism

The arrival of spring presents a time of renewal and transformation in nature and ourselves. As we bask in the warmth of the sun, walk in the park, or explore a garden, we are reminded of the beauty and abundance of the world around us. By taking a moment to pause and reflect, we can reconnect with our inner selves and find a sense of peace and serenity that will impact our well-being. 

So, take the time to enjoy the simple pleasures of spring and embrace the hope and optimism that come with it. And why not savor it all at the Ashton Gardens Tulip Festival? Whether you're a nature lover, a photographer, or someone looking for a peaceful escape, the festival offers something for everyone. So mark your calendar and visit this breathtaking display of nature's beauty.