What a great weekend at the woodland garden. The weather was perfect and there was so much to see. It seems like as each year passes the woodland garden becomes more mature and beautiful.
Not only was the weather perfect but it was a good weekend as far as projects go. For a couple of years I have debated about the amount of work I wanted to do and whether I wanted to keep the garden more manicured or wild. After working all day on a couple of beds weeding and cleaning I decided that part of the beauty of the woodland garden is due to the layout and the plantings and that the time and effort spent is well worth it. The edges of the property are basically wild with native plants that I have left to grow wild. The beds are a combination of native plants and woodland plants that I have brought in and established.
I am not trying to achieve a botanically correct version of a woodland here I am more trying to establish a retreat and haven that I can wonder in and enjoy that catches my attention and imagination. Is that not what a garden is meant to do any ways? To please and inspire it’s care taker? I think that is the case.
As I was working in one of the beds an Iris that was planted a couple of years ago was in bloom. It truly was beautiful there in bloom for the first time and reaffirmed my commitment to my vision.
Many people who are not gardeners do not always understand a garden. There perception is a beautifully manicured setting with colors that blend all the shrubs and trees pruned without a weed in sight or a blemish any wheres. A Truly great garden is one that is loved and tended with care and respect of it’s caretaker. Loved for all it’s beauty and it’s blemishes equally. One that brings joy to the heart and peace to the soul of those who’s passion has inspired it.
Some people will read the above and say “It’s Just A Garden” and to that my reply is, yes it is and depending on your beliefs all of mankind and the plant and animal kingdoms began in a garden. After all wasn’t Eden just a garden?
Sorry to get off on a side car there, but sometimes things are so much more than what they seem to the casual observer. For the artist, the musician, the poet, the builder, the baker, the inventor,the counselor, or what ever occupation those who put there whole passion and commitment into their life’s work can understand. Those who are passionate about something get the greatest amount of pleasure in their lives while pursuing their passions. It is an experience that makes you realize your potential and more so than that when you are zoned in on something that gripping it allows you to reach your full potential which is part of the human experience.
You see what a garden can do for you when you spend time there and shut yourself off from all the distraction you actually have time to reflect and come up with philosophies like the one above. Please don’t let that scare you off though because it really is amazing what happens to those who choose to involve themselves with a garden.
Until next week enjoy some time for yourself each day and do not put aside your passions but embrace them.
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