Spring Work at the Garden Cottage: Roses, Raking, and Shared Purpose

May 8th is a holiday celebrated all across Europe—it marks the end of World War II in Europe, and it’s absolutely a day worth remembering.

This year, I made a point to be more intentional about acknowledging its significance. And since it was a day off, we decided to spend it at the garden cottage—because now that spring has arrived, there is so much to do.

Paint, Weeds, and Rose Frustrations

Garden work never really ends. One of my goals this trip was to paint the trim on the garden shed. I didn’t get it all done, but I managed half—and that feels like progress. The only things missing now are the rest of the trim paint and the curtains I’m sewing from scrap linen. I think they’re going to look so lovely once they’re finished.

I also did some rose garden maintenance. I cleared out weeds so the roses could get more sun, but once again—like every year—the deer got to them first. They ate all the new growth, and it’s so disheartening. Instead of big, lush bushes, I’ll have tiny rose blooms this season. I definitely need a better plan for next year.

On a brighter note, my lavender patch is thriving, and I can already imagine the little field it will become. I’m so excited to see it in bloom.

Mowing, Raking, and Working Together

Another big task was managing the grass clippings. The grass is tall enough now that it has to be cut with a scythe, and after that, all the clippings have to be raked and moved to compost.

It was hard work—but also fun. There’s something satisfying about that kind of physical labor. What made it extra special was that Augustin joined us. He usually doesn’t, but this time he helped with a lot of the work.

We were all outside, each working on our own tasks, all moving toward a shared goal—and that togetherness was beautiful. These are the moments that connect us.

“There’s a quiet kind of joy in working the land with the ones you love.”

I didn’t take many photos this time around—there was simply too much to do. But we’re hoping to return to the garden cottage this coming Saturday, and I plan to bring my camera along.

What kinds of slow, physical work bring you peace this time of year?