Light Hearted

The mercury is finally rising, and the cold winter grip is loosening on Michigan. As we leave the toothache of winter behind (speaking of toothaches, I’m glad that nagging pain is gone after my much-needed deep dental cleaning – don’t ignore those for too long!), there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Summer is officially arriving, and with the Memorial Day weekend upon us, it’s time to get ready for all the warmth and fun this season promises to bring.

It’s been a long haul, keeping ourselves bundled up and staying inside to avoid the biting chill. But now, we can finally shed those layers and step out to bask in the glorious sunshine vitamin D we’ve been deprived of for months. The trees are fully clothed in lush green leaves, flowers are blossoming with bright colors, and the birds are serenading us with their cheerful melodies. Ah, doesn’t it just lift your spirit?

For many green thumbs, this weekend marks the perfect opportunity to get their hands dirty and restart their beloved hobby – gardening. The last frosts have hopefully bid adieu, and it’s safe to start prepping those garden beds. As I strolled through the local nursery yesterday, I was inundated with the earthy scents of fertilizer, mulch, and rows upon rows of vibrant flowering plants and veggie seedlings just waiting to brighten up our yards.

If you’re an edible gardening enthusiast like my wife Vani, you’re probably itching to get those tomato, pepper, and bean seeds or starter plants in the ground. The farmers’ almanacs say late May is prime planting time for many warm season crops here in Michigan. But before you get carried away, don’t forget to thoroughly till and amend your garden soil with nutrient-rich compost or fertilizer. Those rewarding summer salads and sauces will taste even better when your plants have had a healthy start.

For those favoring the ornamental route, you’ll want to grab flats of colorful annual flowers like petunias, marigolds, impatiens and zinnias to inject some serious curb appeal. Perennials like daylilies, coneflowers and black-eyed susans are excellent long-lasting options as well. And let’s not forget dressing up those porches, patios and deck areas with lush hanging baskets and planters overflowing with beauty.

Speaking of outdoor living spaces, Memorial Day weekend is also primetime for prepping those areas for countless sun-drenched hangout sessions in the coming months. Start by giving the patio furniture a good cleaning and brush off any debris from winter. Replace or add new colorful outdoor cushions to brighten things up. Lay out some fun outdoor rugs to define different zones. Set up the grill and stock up on propane for all those upcoming BBQs. String up some ambient lighting and lanterns to extend those magical evenings outdoors as long as possible.

For extra flair, incorporate some decorative planters, garden accents like sun sculptures, and maybe even an outdoor fountain for soothing natureinspired sounds. With a few simple touches, you can create an attractive, comfy outdoor living room environment to maximize family time and entertain guests.

Of course, the real hallmark of Memorial Day weekend is honoring and reflecting on the brave sacrifices of our military servicemembers. It’s a poignant reminder amidst the joyous summer celebrations. Pausing to attend community events, visiting memorials, or simply taking a quiet moment to give thanks is the least we can do.

Once those moments of remembrance conclude, you’d better get ready for a summer jam-packed with fun! Compile your warm-weather bucket list of activities like baseball games, trips to Michigan’s beautiful beaches and lakeshores, outdoor concerts, food festivals, art fairs and all the other classic summer happenings that make this state so vibrant.

Mark your calendars for highlyanticipated events like the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Detroit’s River Days, Traverse City’s Cherry Festival and the always wild Tulipalooza in Holland. Plan camping and hiking adventures at our stunning state and national parks. Order those tickets to see your favorite bands and musicians performing at outdoor venues while you can.

Wherever your summer takes you, remember to savor every moment. The warm, carefree days go by in a flash and before you know it, we’ll be looking cold weather in the eye once again. But for now, let’s soak up the sun, revel in the emerald landscapes, spend time al fresco with loved ones, and make the absolute most of what this glorious Michigan summer has to offer!

What are you most excited about this season? Share your thoughts, prep photos and upcoming summer plans in the comments!