A Blanket of Golden Bark

After checking on our tucked-in seed on the balcony, I felt a quiet pull to see what other growing things needed. I slipped out the front door, walked down the brick path, and reached the neighborhood community garden. Beneath a tall sunflower, I spotted a small wooden tray filled with aromatic pine bark mulch. Remembering how gentle layers keep tiny seeds warm, I gathered two large, fragrant wood flakes in my arms. Moving steadily to a shaded raised bed of tiny young sprouts, I laid the pieces softly around their delicate stems. The rich cedar scent rose gently in the morning air, and the little greens looked tucked in and cozy.