Everything I Need to Know I Learned in My Garden
Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle.....a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the aniticipation nurtures our dream. Barbara Winkler
I never claim to be a great gardener...or any sort of gardener at all, really. My husband is the gardener, as was his father before him. My grandfather was a wonderful gardener. Even though he hired one of those old fashioned gardeners who "stop by" every day to clip, trim or water something, he still went to his garden first thing in the morning, and just before entering the house at the workday's end himself to adjust something, or maybe talk to his plants. Most of my best best friends are great gardeners, and love to dig in the soil.
Me? I love to dream of the garden. Make plans. Buy plants. Water. And sit in the sunshine and soak up the beauty. Listen to the birds sing. A garden can teach us so many things. I put together a few photographs I took in our garden this month. Everything is just starting to bloom, and it truly is our own little heaven on earth.
From the time I was a little girl, I learned about patience, timing and planning ahead. Here are a few things we all need to know, and can learn in the garden.
Begin early. But it's never too late to start. If it doesn't work, just go ahead and try something else.
Dream BIG. But try not to let your over ambition turn the joy of gardening, the joy of the garden, into becoming a slave to perfection. Sometimes the tiniest flower smell the sweetest.
Life is a daily thing. It needs watering. It needs weeding. And it needs pruning on occasion. Pruning hurts, but pruning helps you grow. Life is enduring. Trust it.
Growth takes time. Be patient. Grow what you love. Your love with keep it growing.
You reap what you sow. Sometimes, though, there is a real surprise! Enjoy those.
Of all the places to be, I love being in the garden most. We are in Southern California, so we are lucky that 2/3'ds of the year we can be outside most days. The photo above shows Mr. FrenchGardenHouse's pride and joy, one of his orchids in bloom. The picture next to that is our little new Labrador Bentley's new snacking station. Before he came, I thought it was my own herb basket, and strawberry plants to use in my culinary adventures. Now? Since Bentley has made his home with us, he's discovered the pleasures of the garden already. Not only does he love romping through the grass and chasing the ball there, he's discovered the joys of a little ripe strawberry with a chaser of marjoram! Happy gardening to you. xo
If you want to romance your Home and Garden with antique and vintage treasures to make you smile each time you come home, visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.
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Angela
April 29, 2012
Absolutely breathtaking! Your blog is wonderful and I love your garden.