A couple weeks ago we detoured from our normal hiking routine to check out the DeFries Calendar gardens, which a fellow hiking & homeschool mom had recommended to us. And even with the fall colors mostly gone, it did not disappoint.
Our adventurous homeschool kids exploring the winter to spring section of the DeFries Calendar gardens.
The younger children didn’t quite grasp the concept of a calendar garden, where it is designed & planted to offer as much blooming and color as possible based on the calendar year. But as I explained how it worked to our oldest, he burst out with “It’s so you can experience beauty every day of the year!” And, yes, it really is.
Every since that trip I’ve been trying to find beauty in every day moments. It isn’t always easy with four children running around our home, but it’s a challenge I’ve embraced. This season we are heading into is typically a tough time mentally for me, so I’m attempting to develop a pattern of finding beauty & gratitude now.
This is the greenhouse located at the spring solstice location.
The garden is circular, with a brick walkway encircling the middle section, with a brick in every three marking a specific day of the year. We had fun finding each of our birthdays, and noting special days like the day we became a foster family (which is ironically the day Sam & I met), the day we adopted this year, the day of our wedding anniversary…
Even though it was not spring, I felt the spring to summer section was especially pretty with the light that day.
While we were visiting for the first time in what would not be considered prime blooming time, it was clear to see the beauty in both design and the actual plants. We’ve already decided this will be a new favorite to visit year round, as it is just down the river from one of our favorite local hiking spots, Benton Spillway, which some will remember from our infamous Christmas hike a couple years back!
My favorite part of the gardens is this balcony view, which lets you see the entire circle of the calendar.
There is a short trail at this location, but my kids deemed it too short to be called a hike, and we went on to hike a mile at another location. However everyone agreed this place is a really cool stop & we will definitely be back!
Our Karth Trek hiking crew, displaying their various personalities!
One way we support our family, and our hiking habits, is by selling Young Living essential oils and oil infused products, and I cannot post this week without including that it is our incredible Black Friday sale right now, with items on sale up to 50% off! I also have a fabulous deal where you can start your account if you are brand new, with an additional 10% off by using the code SHAREYL. (Just be sure your total order after discounts is 50pv or more before checking out to get all the deals!)
Because there are so many different items at different levels of discount, plus a way to also earn 10% BACK in loyalty points for new customers (plus all discounted items are available for current customers) I’ve created a breakdown of what is on sale, at what discount, plus at the end there’s a cheat sheet for getting loyalty points, and if you are ready to buy, the link at the top takes you through my referral link so we get the credit for your purchases AND are then here to serve and help you! Thank you for supporting our family! ~N
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