The outside world may be covered in a heavy blanket of snow, but inside the houseplants are showing signs of new growth, indicating that we are closer to spring than it appears or feels. This ficus was a birthday gift from ‘Aunt’ Elaine a few years ago. Every winter it drops a few of its leaves, as if making way for the new crop of fresh ones that start pushing through now.
Our ‘Audrey’ ficus is making similar motions, heralding the early change in seasons even as a snowstorm rages right outside the window. Soon the fig trees we have overwintering in the garage will begin to swell and burst with their first leaves.
With all the news of late – such atrocities here and abroad that I can’t even begin to formulate a way to express my sadness and concern – I find it calming to return the focus to these simple leaves, daring to come through when winter still holds us in its wicked grip.
