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CHITTERING,CHATTERING HOLIDAY SEASON
With the arrival of some “properly” cold weather across the country our teeth are chittering as we enter this season of chattering. Chattering with neighbours, family, friends, and colleagues at the various holiday get-togethers between now and the New Year. For many, these social occasions can be grueling: what do you talk about with that in-law, cousin, or friend-of-a-friend that you see once yearly? Small talk of weather or travel can be draining, and ‘big talk’ of politics or philosophy is fraught. But have you ever tried asking your boss’s spouse about…gardening?
After the grand unifying power of food, gardening and experiences of nature are the lesser talked about subjects that can unite us in a refreshing way. Here are some of our favourite garden and nature related conversation prompts to get you through this holiday party season:
- “So have you got the garden all put to bed for the winter?” This simple starter invites various follow ups: a playful debate on the merits of raking vs mulching leaves, the importance of fall fertilizing, or a question of winter squash storage methods.
- Make travel stories more interesting by connecting them with nature. In snowbird circles, the holiday party circuit is a farewell tour before the southbound journey. Before bidding adieu to the happy voyager, ask if they plan on visiting any public gardens or parks on their travels. Perhaps you can make a suggestion that they will later thank you for. We are fans of the Marie Selby Botanical gardens in Sarasota, FL, Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, TX, and Springs Preserve Botanical Garden in Las Vegas, NV.
- “Any garden plans for the new year?” With the past season fresh on the mind, now is a great time to engage a conversation of future plans that might help inspire your planning through the winter months.
- Act dumb. If you’ve spent time with us in person, you might wonder when this is or is not an act. The truth is, pretending not to have all the answers will disarm an audience and often bring forth a lot of good discussion and ideas you might not otherwise hear. Asking a simple question like “what will grow here?” can lead to unexpected places, so don’t be afraid to ask even if you think you already have the answer.
- “Did you get any hummingbirds this year?” Comparing notes on bird and insect sightings is not just common drivel, but important empirical research. Knowing what folks are seeing in your community, or noticing the absence of, helps us connect more deeply with the environment changing around us. And people love to talk about bird sightings!
- Make a plan! The months ahead can be long and lonely, but as we wrote in our last month’s newsletter, it is important to get outside whatever the weather. Use the holiday season to make plans with friends and loved ones to get outside again in the New Year. Commit to a walk at the conservation area or through a public garden and hold each other to it regardless of the weather. Sometimes it just takes a bit of accountability!
As the year winds down and we gather to share stories with those around us, it’s helpful to remember the simple joys that connect us—like the universal appeal of gardens and nature. Whether it’s sharing gardening tips, reflecting on a visiting bird, or dreaming up plans for next year’s garden, these conversations remind us of the cycles of life, growth, and renewal that unite us.
Wishing you warmth, health, nature chitter, and garden chatter this holiday season. See you in the garden in 2024!
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