Friday, August 30, 2019

A Visit To A Bit of Paradise

 


“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”
SONNET 18, WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE


My goodness, I know the calendar says that we're nearly at the end of August, but surely it's too soon to be moving from summer to autumn already! As these last few days unfold, try as I might in my own mind, I can no longer hold onto the feeling that we are still in deep summer. There IS a definite shift in the air and in the lighting. And when it's not raining -- we've had a great deal over the summer -- the sun comes up of a morning casting its seasonal fiery orange across tree tops and roof ridges, hinting at the deep oranges, russets and golden leaves soon to follow suit.

Give me a few days and I won't mind at all that we're edging towards Autumn Equinox here in the northern hemisphere. After all, Autumn is my favourite time of year, as is Winter, Spring and Summer. 😊 I used to be able to say unequivocally that Autumn was my absolute favourite, but as I get older, I've come to truly love and appreciate each season in its turn, always sorry to see one season go even though I know I'll love the next one. So while we still have a few more days of summer, it makes me take out my gratitude 'butterfly net' to gather moments that still give me more time to sit on the deck, go for walks in the sunshine, listen to the kids still playing and hollering at the water park down the street. 

Yesterday was a proper sunny summer afternoon. Rick and I went to the greenhouse to look for fall bulbs -- he's been chomping at the bit the last week or so. It was a tad early as they were just getting in their shipments of bulbs. Our trip was not a waste as we took a stroll through their small but lovely botanic garden. So peaceful and soul-refreshing. We were the only ones there, except for the gardener who, though busy pruning junipers, stopped to chat awhile. The hydrangeas were especially lovely. And what a sweet pleasure to see the tiny apple orchard, several varieties laden with globes of red and golden fruit. Allowed to sample, I picked a Norland and enjoyed its sweet, juicy flesh.

Took some pictures as we walked -- with you in mind, of course. Isn't that why many of us take photos nowadays, to share them online? I wouldn't doubt if ninety percent of my photo-taking is with the idea of planning future blog and social media posts. And so, on this nearly last day of August, here are a few, just for you.......






"We might think we are nurturing our garden,
but of course it's our garden that is really nurturing us."
JENNY UGLOW








"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful;
they are sunshine, food and medicine to the mind."
LUTHER BURBANK










And so our little meander winds around and comes to the end.
Much like the meandering of this post and it's done too.



"...beauty is the homeland of the heart.
When it can dwell in beauty
the heart is home."
JOHN O'DONOHUE


Wishing you a pleasant weekend and a spot o' loveliness
where your heart feels 'at home'.

Hugs,
Brenda
xox


10 comments:

  1. What lovely photos you have taken at the botanic garden. I love love love the hydrangeas! It does seems as though fall has not yet entered into the mind of the garden, everything still looking so wonderfully lush and summery--a real treat to see in these days when we know fall is just around the corner!

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  2. Oh!! Those flowers are so beautiful.I can feel the calm ass you wandered around among all that beauty.

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  3. Such a beautiful flowers,in a beautiful garden!

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  4. Oh, Brenda, you did have a lovely outing. The hydrangeas are gorgeous. Ours are just beginning to show a hint of pink. I do love it when they blush. I, too, enjoy all the seasons. However, summer is my least favorite. I am not a fan of heat and humidity.

    Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a happy September.

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  5. ☺️ Thank you for taking photos to share. It is a lovely spot with beautiful hydrangeas. You really like winter? You are one of the few I know...a rare breed. What kinds of spring bulbs are you purchasing and how many?

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  6. Lovely photos, Brenda!

    My A/C broke down in early July. While I'm sad to see the end of summer, I'm looking forward to the cooler weather (cute scarfs! comfy sweaters!).

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  7. Brenda, I have come to feel exactly as you do about summer even though I didn't always. July and August were my least favorite months of the year, except when I was in school as a child. But there is something about growing older that stops you from wishing your life away, even from wanting to rush one season for a more favorite one. I have to admit though that I have a bulb order ready to send and I certainly am enjoying the few mornings here where we can have windows open for an hour or two.

    You really did walk through a little bit of paradise as shown in your pictures. I want that white and pink hydrangea!

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  8. You nailed it, Brenda. That WAS a bit of paradise. Oh, sooooo lovely. Thank you so much for your visits and comments, both of which make me very happy. Hope you have a lovely rest of the week. Susan

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  9. Thank you for taking these photos for us! Hydrangeas are among my favorite flowers! Are those Annabelle or Limelight hydrangeas? My guess is that they are Annabelles because of the shape of the blooms.

    For a few years, I nearly loathed summer with its heat and humidity. Perhaps it is with a growing awareness of time, but I have learned to take each season as it comes and find what I can to love in it.

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  10. I do love the quote about our gardens nurturing us, for I find that very true. Your visit to this little bit of paradise made me sigh with contentment. How I love hydrangeas and your photos are truly lovely. Yes, the season is changing and it behooves us to enjoy each moment of summer while we anticipate autumn.

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To My Beautiful Readers,

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. ~ Franz Peter Schubert

Thank you so much for leaving your 'footprint' here in my comment box. I do appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts today.

Brenda xo