Gardens are a form of autobiography. ~Sydney Eddison
This day, as I focus upon the Grace of God I am strong and of a good report as I celebrate the artistry in the midst of change among the bare essentials. Because I know the brilliant but passing color of annuals and pots overflowing with life will be mine again.
For over a month now, this thought has taken root deep in the "rich, organic matter" of my mind — and my heart. My gardens have always been a source of joy and restoration and creativity for me.
However (especially this year) I have been able to piece together a bit of wisdom, and even reason — and dare I say it, understanding — via this process.
This year my garden reflects the colors and textures and varieties of plantings that are my favorites and.or hardy, heat and drought resistant, practical and perennial. The essentials of any garden include these types of plantings and are generally growing in any authentic gardener's garden.
Last year, there were many more annuals and high-maintenance items, as well as a lot more color via my container gardens. I was able to enjoy more planning time; and more time transplanting and reshaping my gardens. I was also able to plant and care for new grassy areas due to the decision to fill-in our pool.
Said efforts were complimented and done with ease due to the record rain fall my great state enjoyed. This time last year, there was an entirely different type of music playin' in my gardens.
The year before that, I learned that all things do work together ... It was a time of heartache but the beauty was evident in my gardens. And, actually ... probably my favorite garden year since before cancer. [More ...]
I continue to experienced the outrageous joy of being one of the instruments; I have been planning, weeding, journaling and clearing (including even more of those tenacious, renegade Elm seedlings and English Ivy that I would have preferred was never planted!). My gardening goals remain rooted in a life-goal of mine: Focus upon the Grace of God, and within that measure of Grace, craft beauty and celebrate the artistry of the elements.
However (especially this year) I have been able to piece together a bit of wisdom, and even reason — and dare I say it, understanding — via this process.
This year my garden reflects the colors and textures and varieties of plantings that are my favorites and.or hardy, heat and drought resistant, practical and perennial. The essentials of any garden include these types of plantings and are generally growing in any authentic gardener's garden.
Last year, there were many more annuals and high-maintenance items, as well as a lot more color via my container gardens. I was able to enjoy more planning time; and more time transplanting and reshaping my gardens. I was also able to plant and care for new grassy areas due to the decision to fill-in our pool.
Said efforts were complimented and done with ease due to the record rain fall my great state enjoyed. This time last year, there was an entirely different type of music playin' in my gardens.
The year before that, I learned that all things do work together ... It was a time of heartache but the beauty was evident in my gardens. And, actually ... probably my favorite garden year since before cancer. [More ...]
... the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer. ~Geoffrey B. Charlesworth
I continue to experienced the outrageous joy of being one of the instruments; I have been planning, weeding, journaling and clearing (including even more of those tenacious, renegade Elm seedlings and English Ivy that I would have preferred was never planted!). My gardening goals remain rooted in a life-goal of mine: Focus upon the Grace of God, and within that measure of Grace, craft beauty and celebrate the artistry of the elements.
