You know that smell when it rains? There is even a word for it apparently – petrichor. I don’t even know how to describe the smell, but I know how it makes me feel. I grew up on cattle properties and so rain was always welcomed. It meant everyone could relax. We might actually get a family day, or we might at least see a little more of my Dad as he would have to work around the house for a couple of days. It was always joyful because it meant that there was less to worry about.
Now, rain means slightly different things to me. It means a small child inside for the day. It means that some plans we had can no longer happen. It means the washing won’t dry. And it means that traffic will be a little more chaotic than normal. It can be an inconvenience.
However, I still can’t help but feel good about it. Throughout my life it has always had a positive effect on me. It calms my nervous system. I feel hopeful. I feel restored. A rainy day is a good day regardless of the troublesomeness.
Since becoming a gardener, it has given me even more of an appreciation for it. I know the garden will love it. You know that rain is better for a garden than water out of the tap? Something about more nutrients…but I digress.
These associations that we have that come from our childhoods are strong and can last a lifetime. What could pulling a carrot from the garden and then it turning up in a school lunchbox mean for my son in years to come? What would pulling potatoes from a pot and then having chips for dinner mean for him when he’s 25? Maybe it will mean nothing, or perhaps it will mean something. I honestly don’t know. I do know that being in the garden currently calms him. Perhaps just that one small fact will mean something for him or a friend or his community or perhaps even the world someday in the future. I don’t know. But I do know it makes me hopeful. Just like the smell of rain.
