White Is Illuminating the Garden Paths

"The first of all single colors is white ... We shall set down white for the representative of light, without which no color can be seen; yellow for the earth; green for water; blue for air; red for fire; and black for total darkness." -- Leonardo Da Vinci

As more shrubs and flowers are blooming around the gardens white has now taken up residence along the garden paths.

I remember when I purchased this bridal wreath spirea and wondered if it would ever got very big.

Way back behind the pond, between some shrubs, in front of the tent trailer I discovered this bloom of pure light surrounded by green.

A columbine under our bedroom window lifted its head today.

And there will be more to come!

Personification In Finest Form

 As I was studying literary terms in preparation for my exam next week I read different examples of personification. I had never read this poem by Robert Frost and the words helped me develop a clearer understanding of personification, plus it is an enjoyable poem to read.

 Sherman Creek close to home

  

Spring Pools

These pools that, though in forests, still reflect
The total sky almost without defect,
And like the flowers beside them, chill and shiver,
Will like the flowers beside them soon be gone,
And yet not out by any brook or river,
But up by roots to bring dark foliage on.
The trees that have it in their pent-up buds
To darken nature and be summer woods --
Let them think twice before they use their powers
To blot out and drink up and sweep away
These flowery waters and these watery flowers
From snow that melted only yesterday.

-Robert Frost

Saturday Bouquet

Nearly Ready for the Move

It is nearing that time for our wintered over plants to leave the greenhouse and make their way back to hang on the old ladder along the garage, rest on the rock wall, fill in the planters in the gardens, and brighten up the deck. Usually by now we have emptied the greenhouse, but Mother Nature has been fickle this year. Better safe than seeing a whole bunch of geraniums wilted from frost.

Everett caught some beautiful images of the greenhouse yesterday. I love the way the Martha Washington's have bloomed all winter.

I never thought we would see the nasturiums keep it up since they were grown from seed a year ago.

We also found a little friend on the jade plant in the greenhouse. Now I discovered one place toads go after they leave the pond. This toad has been hanging out on this leaf for a few days. We hope he is eating bugs!

Finding Peace

Today was one of those hard days.  The headlines were filled with sad news about accidents. The oil spill keeps getting worse. I had to give bad news about grades to some of my students. A friend's dog was poisoned and she is grieving. A co-workers husband got laid off from his job. I had to once again try to explain to a thirteen-year-old why the Americans couldn't and didn't  just jump on a plane and go save the victims during the Holocaust. When I got home I sat and took in the simple beauty of my surroundings. I already feel so much more at peace. Isabelle also found a good spot.

How can I not be at peace after finding the first iris in bloom?

Happy Mother's Day !

 Here is a tribute to some of my favorite moms all grown up! (click to see bigger)

Clockwise from the top left my cousins Michelle, Cyndi, Angie then sister SVG, Mom with Dad,SVG with her baby doll, cousin Lura in her fabric store, cousin Judy and Grandma West with baby cousins, and Grandma Woolum in the center with Raymond Pert.