Winter's quietness yields as signs of life return to the garden. Snowdrops emerge, and fallen tulips are moved to encourage blooms, but much remains unsettled with thawing grounds rich with mud. As deer continue to threaten the sanctity of hedges and shrubs, the natural order observes a mix of lingering hibernation and fledgling hope.

Contemplation of a greenhouse fades into a desire for hibernation itself, revealing a yearning for balance between dreams and reality. Year after year, gardeners nurture their aspirations, always hoping for better seasons ahead. Yet, the central question remains: what gardening ambitions are still feasible in our ever-evolving world? As Hoffstot ponders what lies ahead, readers are invited to reflect on the possibilities and impossibilities in their gardens.

This meditative piece intertwines personal reflection with broader environmental themes, advocating for adaptability in the face of an uncertain future while nurturing the dreams that keep gardeners thriving.