Garden improvements

Our garden it slowly taking form. We are finally defining all the flowerbeds where we want them to be and have amended the soil and added the bark. A darker brown bark, which I love, although my husband disagrees. The flowerbed below the bedroom window was higher than the cement floor of the porch and thus it used to get flooded by dirt and water when it rained. We had corrected the problem and after the downpour of this afternoon we discovered, to our delight, that the problem has been resolved. 

We found a little nursery in a neighboring town and I brought home with me a gorgeous First Editions Jetstream Oakleaf Hydrangea.  Perhaps, only surpassed in beauty by roses.  This lovely shrub has oak leaf shaped dark green foliage with spires of bright white, cone-shaped flowers that cover the plant through the summer and as the blooms fade, they transform to a dark, dusky pink. The dark green foliage shines in summer, then turns to an amazing orange-red in the fall… I bought a smaller plant, but there was a larger, more mature plant at the nursery which was incredibly gorgeous. I felt in love with it at first sight.  I think I must return for more.

The old swing has been given an improved look with two cans of Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X in Wildflower Blue, and two new sit cushions that match in color.  We moved it to what I think is a better spot in the garden—a special little place at the edge of the creek with just the exact amount of space.  Perfect for the old swing.  I could not be any happier.  It was meant to be. 

A couple of days ago I discovered a little place down the path in the privet where the wild vinca grows.  I’m not sure whether they were purposely planted there long time ago by some stranger’s hands, or if perhaps it reseeded naturally and now it flourishes in astonishing abundance so that I can go there and transplant them around my garden and collect happy bunches of it to arrange my wildflower bouquets.  I am thankful.

 

This is just a humble beginning of what we envision.  Plants are small, roses are scarce and only a few flowering bushes, but we’ve been putting a lot of effort into making our little oasis happen and we are guided by this belief:  “The worst thing one can do is not to try, to be aware of what one wants and not give in to it, to spend years in silent hurt wondering if something could have materialized – and never knowing” (David Viscott)

I think our little plot of earth is already looking so much better.  I am exhausted, but my spirit is alive with joy and thankfulness.  God’s blessings are new each morning… His mercies begin afresh with each new sunrise. Great is his faithfulness.

LINKING TO FISHTAIL GARDEN PARTY