Well hello there, Spring 🌼
Seven beautiful ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox and welcome porch season
Hello, dear reader! I am so glad you are here.
Welcome to the ‘Porch Journal’, a short-letter series where I share small reflections and behind-the-scenes thoughts on living a smaller, simpler, more beautiful life. These are quick, easy reads, about a minute or two - just enough for a mid-morning coffee break.
Happy Spring! It’s the Spring Equinox, also known as the Vernal Equinox. That beautiful time of year when day and night are nearly equal, gently shifting us toward brighter, warmer days.
Importantly, also, it’s my granddaughter’s 5th birthday today.
Happy birthday sweet Nora Rose. 🎁
For me, the Spring Equinox symbolizes fresh starts and the true joy of observing nature awakening around us. This feels like New Year to me much more than January 1st does.
It’s the ideal moment to pause, reflect, and thoughtfully welcome the new season into our homes and gardens.
If you’re new here, welcome.
Letters from the Porch is where I share seasonal reflections, garden notes, and simple ways to live a little smaller, simpler, and more beautifully. Coming to you from the high country of northern Arizona.
I’ve got seven beautifully simple ideas for celebrating the turn of the season.
1. Sunrise tea
Begin the day slowly with a warm cup of herbal tea at sunrise. On warmer mornings I’ll step into the garden and gather a few leaves of mint, chamomile, or lemon balm to steep in hot water.
Right now the garden is only just waking up here in Prescott, Arizona, so I’ll probably reach for some herbs I dried from last season.
2. Garden wake-up
Step outside and give the garden a gentle wake-up. A little tidying, a handful of wildflower seeds, or clearing winter debris is often all it takes to start the season moving again.
For more helpful garden tips, explore my Garden Keeping Journals.
3. Bring the outdoors in
Open the windows and let the fresh air move through the house. A small arrangement of daffodils or budding branches on the table makes the whole room feel like spring.
I’ve got daffodils just starting and the hellebores are still doing their thing — a small bouquet in an antique vase on my desk is a real treat.
4. Outdoor seating refresh
Swap in fresh cushion covers or bring out your favorite outdoor blankets. Small touches make porches and patios feel welcoming again after winter.
5. Equinox porch gathering
Invite friends or neighbors for an easy-going gathering on your porch or patio. Lanterns, cozy blankets, and seasonal treats set a welcoming scene and highlight the joy of simple outdoor living. Later in the season we do this daily, and right around sunset. But today maybe it’s a late afternoon gathering instead to capture the warmth.
6. Cook
Prepare meals that highlight fresh spring ingredients like asparagus, leafy greens, and garden herbs. Enjoying these dishes outdoors makes the most of the longer, warmer evenings.
Last night I made a big pot of Pozole Rojo. It took nearly five hours, but I love the slow rhythm of cooking like that.
The best part is that it’s always even better the next day - which makes tonight’s Equinox dinner easy.
7. Get creative
Spend a few minutes sketching or watercoloring the scenes around you. Artistic skill isn’t necessary - just appreciation for nature and the gentle rhythm of the season.
A nice quality journal or sketchbook is always a fun way to make this even more special.
I keep meaning to learn how to draw botanical pencil illustrations… one of these days.
My plan for this equinox weekend is to spend time with some dear friends who are coming up the mountain for a few days, and also to sow some Columbine ‘Black Barlow’ seeds in my patio shade border.
Celebrating the Spring Equinox is about savoring the seasonal cycles of this earth and reconnecting with the natural rhythms of the season.
However you choose to mark the day, I hope you are noticing the returning light. I’d love to hear what your plans are and how spring is showing up where you’re at.
Wishing you a beautiful and inspired start to spring!
With contentment & possibility,
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As you know, I’m thrilled to watch the finches nesting in my carport. They are spending more and more time in their nest. I feel sure there will be a little clutch of eggs soon.
The blossoms on my plum and pear tree are delightful and I’m spending more time sitting outside in the morning just soaking in the loveliness.
Your tea with herbs sounds lovely but I’m sticking to my coffee for now. Today I’m going to make lemon and ginger posset with rhubarb to celebrate the flavors of spring.
Happy Spring Miriam and happy birthday to your granddaughter!
All solid suggestions for welcoming Spring. I'll be doing 3,6 and 7. No porch but once I unseal our balcony's weather stripping and open it for the season usually later in April, I'll be happy to take out my chair :)