6/7/13

Roses: Rooted in Love

Before I moved to my current house, I never grew roses. I always heard they were difficult to grow, required lots of upkeep and care, and wouldn't make it through the winters in northeastern Washington.

I am pleased I researched the growing of roses the first year I began gardening at Martin Creek. The most important thing I learned early is on is not that roses are so difficult, but it is crucial to choose roses for your area. There are so many varieties of hardy roses that have successfully found a home around our gardens. They demand the same care all plants do and give us stunning beauty, especially right now.

Between JEJ and myself we have put lots of love in our roses. Many are still growing after fifteen years. Some have gone along the wayside. Others have turned a bit wild and returned to their original red variety. I always encourage people to try roses, then rattle off some hardy shrub or floribunda roses that are always successful such as the William Baffin aboe.

As with any plant rooted in love they need rich soil, fertilizer, sun, and water. It also helps to keep the deer out of your yard!

6/6/13

Rooted in Responsibility

Now we have said good-bye to Sheriff  McDuff I think Deputy Grayson feels the weight of the world on his shoulders. He must now begin guarding Martin Creek Gardens diligently, taking over for his mentor McDuff. He strolled the sidewalk in early evening looking for trouble that might be lurking in the flowers.

6/5/13

I Miss Sunsets

I miss sunsets where I live. I get the pleasure of sunrises every day, but no sunsets. While driving home this evening we got to enjoy quite a show in the sky. Perhaps I should get out and drive more at sunset. ( We also need to clean our windshield!)




Iris: Rooted in Beauty

Everything about an iris is unique.... the scent, the texture, vivid color, and sustainability.



6/2/13

You Reading This, Be Ready

As  we move into graduation week at our school I have been reflecting on the group of students graduating and the time I had with them in middle school. Each of them has plans as they move into a bigger world this summer. This poem by William Stafford always gives me a lump in my throat as I think of graduation. 
You Reading This, Be Ready
William Stafford
Starting here, what do you want to remember?
How sunlight creeps along a shining floor?
What scent of old wood hovers, what softened
sound from outside fills the air?
Will you ever bring a better gift for the world
than the breathing respect that you carry
wherever you go right now? Are you waiting
for time to show you some better thoughts?
When you turn around, starting here, lift this
new glimpse that you found; carry into evening
all that you want from this day. This interval you spent
reading or hearing this, keep it for life -
What can anyone give you greater than now,
starting here, right in this room, when you turn around?