I Love Oxford in the Springtime

I love spring anywhere,
but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.
~ RUTH STOUT

Do you remember that old song they used to sing, I love Paris in the Springtime? Now I haven't been to Paris in the Springtime, but ever since we visited Oxford two years ago in April, I feel that way about Oxford. The last few days I've been feeling a little homesick. Spring in Oxford (well, in England generally) is something to behold -- such aliveness to the countryside, to life and love, beauty and poetry. It didn't take me long to realize that that place of 'dreaming spires' really was my soul's home, and I felt as if I'd come home when I arrived.

I'm indulging myself today by browsing through some of the garden photos we took while there. Each of the colleges in Oxford boasts lovely grounds and gardens, and they can be viewed by the public when classes are not in session. How lucky then were we to visit when term was over.

And, the Botanic Garden, that spot of quiet beauty and elegance, was such a joy to wander through on that warm Spring morning. The birds were in full chorus and the sun squeezed its warmth past barely leafed out trees onto our faces. It was like a little heaven on earth. And, I'm in this moment reminded of those lines from that poem "God's Garden" penned by Dorothy Frances Gurney (London: Country Life, 1913) . . .

"The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the birds for mirth,

One is nearer God's Heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on Earth."

It's true, that's how I felt that day. So, I've gathered a few garden photos from our visit to Oxford in the Springtime -- I hope you enjoy.

Spring has returned.

The Earth is like a child that knows poems.

~ RAINER MARIA RILKE

Holywell Cemetery

"The first blooms of spring always

make my heart sing."

~ S. BROWN

April hath put a spirit of youth

in everything.
~ WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Spring comes:

the flowers learn their colored shapes.
~ MARIA KONOPNICKA

"Spring's greatest joy beyond a doubt

is when it brings the children out."

~ EDGAR GUEST

The Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum, Oxford

"Despite the forecast,

live like it's Spring."

~ LILY PULITZER

"Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and

sunshine are hard to beat."

~ LAURA INGALLS WILDER

"Can words describe the fragrance

of the very breath of spring?"

~ NELTJE BLANCHAN

Magdalen College Tower as viewed from the Botanic Garden

"To plant a garden is to

believe in tomorrow."

~ AUDREY HEPBURN 

"Spring won’t let me stay in this house any longer!
I must get out and breathe the air deeply again."
~ GUSTAV MAHLER

"No matter how chaotic it is,
wildflowers will still spring up in the middle of nowhere."
~ SHERYL CROW

"Let us dance in the sun,
wearing wild flowers in our hair."
~ SUSAN POLIS SCHUTZ

"Don't wait for someone to bring you flowers.

Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul."

~ LUTHER BURBANK

* * *

There -- I feel much better. I've love to know if you have a favourite photo or if one of those lovely quotes popped out as you went along.

Don't forget to carry something beautiful in your heart today. It really does help keep the uglies at bay. And so now, beautiful friends, here's wishing you a wonderful day. Sending love and

Hugs,

Brenda

xox