Much of the work around our farm requires a great deal of bustling, lifting, hauling, and heaving, but there’s one that is pure relaxation: watering.
I really like watering my gardens. Seeing the water droplets cascade onto parched leaves and sink deep into the soil, causing the plants to perk right up. I like how the colors change once the film of dust is removed. They intensify, deepen, and look so fresh and clean that you can’t help but breathe easier.
I also love the smell of damp earth and sodden hay, drenched leaves and wet wood, how a mere sprinkling of water can draw out the heady fragrances of rosemary, lavender, and dill.
And I really like how it looks. There’s something quite magical about crystalline water droplets clinging to stalks, stems, and blossoms.
Watering is such a peaceful chore, almost meditative as you watch the spray fall to the earth, shimmering in the sunlight, pattering gently onto cabbages and apple trees, sugar snap peas and radishes. It’s my “just breathe and let the cares of the world fall away” time. As the clutter in my whirring brain dissipates, I’m able to gently work through niggling issues, find resolutions to problems, and clarify what to do next. I like that. Giving life to the gardens while renewing my own.
After a morning spent watering our five gardens and three orchards, I’m definitely ready for something hearty, nourishing, and cool. Even in winter, working for hours in the sun makes me crave cooling foods.
This week my favorite dish has been chicken salad filled with lusciously sweet prunes, earthy sorrel, and sprightly mint, coated with a creamy, cinnamon-y dressing. Yep, it hits the spot nicely.
Do you like watering your garden? xo
Chicken Prune Salad with Sorrel and Mint
Ingredients:
2 cups chicken, roughly chopped
¾ cup prunes, chopped
1 handful sorrel leaves, chopped
¼ mint leaves, removed from stem (if large, chop)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp runny honey
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 sprig mint leaves for garnish
Directions:
- In large bowl place chicken, prunes, sorrel leaves, and mint leaves. Toss to combine.
- In small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, honey, cider vinegar, and cinnamon.
- Pour dressing over chicken mixture and stir well to coat. Garnish with mint leaves.
- Serve immediately or chill in fridge until ready to use.
Watering is indeed a peaceful ‘chore’. Peter keeps wanting to install better and bigger watering systems for my pots, but I keep telling him I love to water. He should read this post! xx
I’m so glad you get pleasure out of watering too, @liz_posmyk:disqus 🙂 It’s like my holiday chore, the thing I look forward to after all the hard stuff is done. 🙂
Living at the lake, I find water quite relaxing. Enjoy chicken salad, but can’t recall having it with prunes. Have to give that a try.
I grew up in Canada around many lakes, @thesurprisedgourmet:disqus so I sure understand the lure of such a relaxed and peaceful setting. 🙂
I hadn’t thought of watering that way, Krista, but I suspect I will from now on thanks to you!! 🙂
You make me smile, @disqus_WseMqaTPwi:disqus 🙂 I love how we inspire each other. XO
what an interesting combination of flavours. I love watering my garden in summer, very early in the morning before anyone else is awake 🙂
It is surprisingly scrumptious, @tandysinclair:disqus Somehow they all work together beautifully. Yes, early summer mornings are lovely.
Watering is the moment you get to appreciate how your plants are doing, a leaf here that need help a bloom there that heralds fruit to come. I love it, it’s my end of the day chore that, as you say, is really relaxing. GG
Yes, that’s a lovely way to put it, GG, a time of appreciation. 🙂
When watering the lawn was one of my jobs as a kid, I hated it…but I think I would find it relaxing now as an adult!
Yeah, I didn’t fancy watering much as a girl either, @joanneeatswellwithothers:disqus 🙂
I so wish I had a green thumb…I love the sound and look of rain so I can see how watering your garden would be such a peaceful project. Your photos are lovely! And that salad definitely sounds like it would hit the spot perfectly – I love that sweet/savory combination.
Oh @AnEdibleMosaic:disqus I don’t have a natural green thumb. It’s something I’ve learned through blood, sweat, and tears the last few years. Gardening has been sheer torture for me sometimes, but now it’s a happy thing. You work such magic with food, though. So maybe that is your “garden.” 🙂 XO