For Whimsy and Romance

Lou was balanced on a ladder in the Lady Garden, stretching upward to hang a relatively heavy wrought iron chandelier from a tree branch.

I was down below, holding the ladder steady on the uneven ground so that he wouldn't fall, and more importantly, so that the ladder wouldn't tip over and crush a native azalea I have been nursing along for two years and which has finally begun to take hold.

"This isn't very practical," Lou said.

"Practical? Who said anything about practical? This is for fun. It's a whimsy. Why, it's for romance!"

With the word romance hanging in the air, Lou hushed his complaints and got into the spirit of the affair.

The chandelier is a new addition to the Lady Garden. It's not my fault I bought it. I was with friends when I found it, and they all insisted it would look fabulous in my garden and it was such a great buy, how could I pass it up? I would have walked away if I had been by myself, but, you know, they were right.

The chandelier holds six candles and is hanging between the arbor swing and a small but comfortable wooden bistro set, also a recent purchase. It is the perfect place for sitting with a relaxing drink and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Lady Garden and the surrounding area. Nesting bluebirds are nearby, as well as hawks and owls. Lou says he is looking forward to our date.

The Lady Garden, the newest addition to my gardens, is a feminine space with repetition of curves and flourishes. I raised three boys, so I think I am entitled! Echoing shapes, as well as materials and color, helps to unify a space. Below is a photo of the chandelier and a few other decorative touches in the Lady Garden.

This time of year the Lady Garden is surrounded by dogwoods and other flowering trees in bloom. Here are a few shots taken in and around the area:

I am waiting for most of the plantings in this area to mature, but a few colorful annuals add some color to the green shrubs and other plants.1st row: purple verbena; Cheilanthes argentea, my new favorite fern. 2nd row: boxwood; ajuga. 3rd row: decorative kale; osmanthus frangrans. 4th row: epimedium; pansies from the big box store.

Though life is serious business, I hope you will always leave a little place for whimsy, just for the fun of it, and for romance!

Note: I realize my last post also contained the word Romance in the title, but I just couldn't help it!

Romance in the Garden

There is romance in my garden. This past weekend a female redbird flew to a tree near where I was standing, and a male soon joined her. He rubbed his face against hers and then gave her a seed he carried in his beak. How sweet! It's not nesting season, but they were obviously a mated pair. I have always been partial to cardinals. They are regal, well mannered birds, and this simple act of kindness confirmed my good opinion of the species. No doubt their babies are grown now, but the two birds remain committed to each other. Lou and I celebrated our thirty-fifth wedding anniversary on September 5, and I think we are a lot like those redbirds! Lou likes to cook, and he's always preparing good food to share with me.

An example: Over the week end I took some photos in the garden. Here's some taken along a side path where hydrangeas, dogwoods, and redbud trees grow. The blooming hydrangea is 'Limelight'. The lighting seems romantic, doesn't it?

Well, the mystical, filtered light is actually smoke coming from the grill where Lou was barbecuing chicken!

Here's a few other photos of my garden in September. The air is a little cooler now, and many plants are beginning to revive from the summer slump — and so is the gardener!

Rosa mutabilis has a new flush of flowers.

Recently planted Agastache 'Golden Juilee' is beginning to bloom. This wonderful herb smells like licorice.

The blue misty flowers of caryopteris are bright against the golden green foliage of other plants. Butterflies love this shrub.

A variegated osmanthus is putting out new leaves.

In a month or two, fall colors will arrive, but for now September foliage remains fresh and verdant. 

It's a great time for a stroll through the garden with my sweetheart!

May you all have wonderful moments (and tasty treats) to share with loved ones.  Deborah