Surprised By New Life

This is an orchid I bought last year. It was beautiful then, but, afterwards went dormant. I tried to care for it during the winter, but have little experience with orchid care. I gave it a bit of water and a western facing window, but not much else. For months it looked like a pot of dirt with some paltry looking leaves.

I was so surprised early this spring when it began to send up a shoot of promise! Soon there were buds followed by beautiful white phalaenopsis blooms! Life sometimes goes dormant for us, too, but patience yields some surprises for those who maintain hope.

Reminiscing about the end of summer gardening...

Fall has taken hold of us here but I still enjoy the garden I worked in this summer. Slowly it is taking form, and each year should be better than the one before.

Gardening with Seamus, my Parson Russell Terrier

While I garden, he observes from the window. Eager to help in any way I'd allow, I find his assistance most helpful as a companion on the other side of the screen. His devotion is charming, though, and he is such a good friend.

He speaks to me:

"Hmm... This gardening project may take her longer than I thought..."



"Psst... Hey, there! I've got a great idea! Dog treats!"



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"Is anyone else ready for a snack break???..."



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"I think you may have missed a weed over there..."


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"I'm picturing some lovely blooms by next spring..."


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"I'm here if you need me..."

Poppies in Spring

The translucent orange of the poppy petals has always captured my eye, but I haven't had much luck growing them myself. I should try again, since I do love them, despite their short blooming time.

These were seen in a small but very nice garden in Ann Arbor. I was driving by but actually had to stop and go back so I could get out and take a few shots of them. I just love the color and the way they filter the light.

Shades of Love

Shades of Love
Originally uploaded by marylea.

More beauty discovered in a garden. The original bloom is from a garden at the University of Dallas, Church of the Incarnation.

Blue and Red

Blue and Red
Originally uploaded by marylea.

These blue and red colors were vivid in my garden a couple weeks ago. Springtime and gardening rejuvinate my spirit after the long winter. Who doesn't like to see the flowers come up after the long months of winter subside?

Another month and Bethie will return home from India. We're counting the days. It isn't easy being in a foreign country, but she went to help and to learn. It will be good to welcome her home. "The Lord watches over the sojourners, he uphods the widow and the fatherlesss,..." Ps 146:9