" Everything that slows us down and forces patience,
everything that sets us back into the slow circles
of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace. "
MAY SARTON
Oh yes, gardening truly is an instrument of grace. No matter what's going on with life around me, no matter the disappointment of perennials and shrubs lost to winter's harshness, once the warm sunshine releases that evocative earthy smell, dreamy thoughts begin to percolate: what shall we plant there instead? Hope and creative notions ever blossom in a gardener's heart.
It's early Saturday morning. The day promises sunshine which makes it ideal for planting out the annuals. Yesterday my car was overflowing, as was my soul, with happy possibilities from visits to the greenhouses. So far this year, I'm starting with pansies, marigolds, morning glories, geraniums, lobelia, bellflowers, and African daisies, to name a few. Sweet peas are already in the ground.
I also bought pots and pots of Spanish lavender this year. They thrive in hot, dry climates (zones 8-11), so they do not overwinter here (we're in zone 3b), but as annuals they give lovely drifts of colour and fragrance throughout the summer. Not only do I want clusters of them planted in the garden to smell while walking through but also set about in pots on the back deck for when we're out there relaxing. All we need now are some hot, sunny days for everything to flourish.
" The key to nature's therapy is feeling like a tiny part of it,
not a master over it. There's amazing pride in seeing a bee
land on a flower you planted - but that's not your act of
creation, it's your act of joining in. "
VICTORIA COREN MITCHELL
* * *
I'm away to my coffee and then my plants.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend.
Heart Hugs,
Brenda
xox
Gardening, such a great way to get grounded!!
ReplyDeleteI love lavender! Sounds like your garden shopping was a success.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy all those plants. Putting plants into the soil is therapeutic. Unfortunately, I can't do much this year, as we are in a severe drought in my area. We are not allowed to water flowers at all. I had bought a few before the restrictions came into effect, so, I'm trying to save water in other areas, so I can give them a little bit.
ReplyDeletewow lovely, I should try some of those lavender plants for hot dry climates! that's us!
ReplyDeletePots and pots of lavender....how delightful! Lavender is one of my favorites too. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteI had already decided I was going to get some pots of lavender before I even read your post. And now you have confirmed that it is the right decision. :) Thanks for the inspiration! Oh, and I LOVE that Victoria Mitchell quote. Wishing you a pleasant weekend as well.
ReplyDeleteI’m enjoying my garden, though a few days of heavy rains have it looking bedraggled! Beautiful lavender!
ReplyDeleteGardening is both energizing and calming for me. Cares drop away as I dig and plant, weed and water. I love your idea of pots and pots of lavender. I have some in the ground here and it just grows bigger and bigger. This year, after it blooms, I'm going to tear it out and start afresh, keeping it well-pruned before it grows woody. Such a great quote about joining in with nature (God) in beautifying the earth.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Bren. Such a lovely post and I am wild for your Spanish Lavender. I planted a variety around an Olive Jar as a nod to France. I am anxious for it to bloom. Enjoy summer days in your garden and on your deck relaxing with a wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteI think this is the first time I've seen Spanish Lavender. So pretty! I used to have lavender in my front yard, but it bit the dust a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteSo after weeks fretting about the power outage, the utility company postponed it to a later date! I guess they realized that it wasn't a great idea to turn people's power off for 5 hours when everyone is stuck at home.