In a Garden -- My Art Studio

Awhile back I had the idea to feature in upcoming blog posts all sorts of items associated with gardens.  And, after proceeding with that plan, I'm thrilled with what I've shared with the world as it truly is a glimpse of things I love -- the outdoors, FLOWERS, trees, living creatures, designs and patterns, warm sunshine, nature's gifts and life lessons, the surprises, tranquility and inspiration.  Those things nurture my spirit and impact my creations, including the image above that spotlights some gorgeous dahlias at the Dubuque Arboretum.  Obviously, that place is one of my favorite outdoor spaces. 

Today may you find your happy space and let it nourish your soul.

In a Garden -- Hidden Gems

So often in a garden, the colorful, bright, big blooms easily catch my eye; however, after exploring the outdoors with a camera in hand, I realized that many beautiful surprises await if I only take the time to notice and look beyond the obvious.  Hmmm....I think that easily correlates to life as well.  Be patient as I explore.  Surprises appear out of nowhere and delight me.  Watch as the main event unfolds but pay close attention to the supporting cast members as they have a lot to offer.

Geez.....that paragraph came quickly and I really like those thoughts.  Hope this message also resonates with you.

In a Garden - Hydrangea

"I must have flowers, always, always."

                                                                                                            --Monet

In a Garden -- Roses

"A rose dreams of enjoying the company of bees, but none appears.

The sun asks:  Aren't you tired of waiting?

Yes, answers the rose, but if I close my petals, I will wither and die."

                                                                                                     --Paulo Coelho

In a Garden -- Pests Posing as Artists

In the Midwestern and Eastern USA it seems that Japanese beetles love to eat almost everything, including many of my potted plants and some herbs.  So, recently when I was on the tennis court practicing my serve, I unexpectedly noticed something beautiful on top of the blue asphalt coating.  These thin brown leaves looked like lace doilies scattered by the wind.  After a closer look, I decided they were photo worthy as even some of Mother Nature's pests create amazing works of art.  

"In design, Mother Nature is our best teacher."

                                                                                                    --Van Day Truex

In a Garden -- Serenity

"Take a break to listen to the song of the wind,

talk to the whispering trees, feel the love of flowers,

dance with the dancing leaves, 

and enjoy the tranquility and serenity of nature."

                                                                                                                     --Debasish Mridha

In a Garden -- COLOR

"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit."

                                                                                                         --Ralph Waldo Emerson

In a Garden -- Memories

In a recent stroll through the Dubuque Arboretum, I came across this adorable statue positioned in the middle of the Mother Goose themed flower bed.  Immediately I thought how clever it was and started to recall, "Humpty Dumpty...," "Hickory, dickory, dock..." and more.

Yes, that part is easily relatable; however, you may be wondering about the image below that features the annual known as vinca.  When I got to this area of the arboretum, my thoughts instantly turned to one of the first gardeners I'd known.  She was my beloved next-door-neighbor who each summer had pretty flowers in various places in her yard along with some pots of geraniums, dusty miller, marigolds, the vinca seen below and so on.  I remember watching her tend to her vegetable and flower gardens with ease and great care.  To a youngster like me, she seemed to make every living thing beautiful and loved doing so.  She also loved having me visit her as often as I'd like. Her name was Helen. 

Some things remain with us forever.

In a Garden -- Sunflowers

From any angle, sunflowers are some of my favorites.  They stand tall, follow the light and nourish others.  Even in winter, the discolored and tattered stalk still remains upright and beautiful in earthy black and brown tones.  Sunflowers inspire me.

"Keep your face to the sunshine 

and you cannot see the shadows.

It's what the sunflowers do."

                                                                                                                         --Helen Keller