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Unfolding Fascination
I planted the ligularia (L. dentata ‘Othello’) because of its wonderful heart leaf shape and purplish greenish coloration (more purple in spring–more green in summer). It gives contrast and texture midst the hostas. I’d seen it in flower in other gardens, but never watched the flower unfolding. See the pod-like shape in the lower part… Read more
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Astilbe Path
The back garden path all-but-disappears by mid-summer. This is not a mistake, but intended. By the sixth month it becomes a path of lush abundance. Not unlike the journey in many Japanese gardens where you are forced because of the unevenness of the stone path to look at down your feet and thus encounter something not seen when looking… Read more
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Becoming ‘Present’ in the Daylily Garden
The “Daylily Garden”, so named because of the predominant genus, contains other plants, too. The “others” serve as compliments in form, texture, or color and carry the garden’s succession of bloom, texture, and form combinations into other months. Even though there are daylilies (hemerocallis) planted in this garden that bloom in August or September–most color this part of the… Read more
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Welcoming Combination in the Courtyard Garden
With a bit of water the garden flourishes in this high heat and humidity, even while I wilt. This happy combination joyously greets me as I return and sends me off with a smile. Read more
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Cool Views from Above
The back garden’s on a lower level–great to see from my office and the shady refuge of the lower patio–but not visible directly from the first floor. However, I’ve learned deck rail viewing. Nice mornings I enjoy coffee on the deck and view the gardens from above. I love the tapestry created by the plantings. … Read more
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days of wonder–symphony of joy
Driving north yesterday, listening to NPR interview a magician, my attention stopped at his words “a day without wonder is a terrible day”. Yes! I often refer to the ‘magic’ of the garden and being open to its’ wonder’. Each day as the garden lives its’ life of photosynthesizing and reproduction, we have the opportunity to… Read more