I believe that my garden is my artistic canvas, and you might want to think of your garden that way too. Each spring I look at the bare soil and imagine how I could fill it with beauty. I remember previous gardens and which plants worked well. Sometimes I grow a plant just for its beauty. For example, cabbages to me look like very large roses with many unfolding petals. I may not eat the cabbage I grow, but I do enjoy observing it and photographing it.
My garden canvas is similar to a painting canvas. I will have an image in mind of the beauty and creativity that I want, then I make plans to create it. This process involves looking at many seed and plant catalogs for ideas. Sometimes I discover plants I have never heard of. Sometimes I confirm my interest in plants I have always loved, like hydrangeas. Or I find new types of hydrangeas, zinnias, or sunflowers with all their vivid colors. Gardening for me is a visual, creative act.
Today is the Vernal Equinox. It has been a long wait for this day. Fortunately, there are signs of spring everywhere around me: daffodils blooming, blossoming trees, and very green grass. Once we get through our current cold snap, I hope the warmer weather will be here to stay. I look forward to creating my garden canvas for this season.