A garden is a lovesome thing.

We are having a Spring like none I can recall for years.  Glorious green is everywhere we look.  It is at this time of the year that I am especially pleased to living in a home for as many years as we have been. (30...I think.) The gardens have matured and changed, plants re-arranged like furniture in a favorite room.  We spent most of the weekend outdoors mowing, raking, making wintered gardens smile again.  We have almost two acres.  The back of the property is against a wooded creek bed and the west side is a large field.  All the land gives us so many opportunities to create different gardens and areas to enjoy.

I am particularly pleased with this garden and the space beneath the bench. 

The Sweet Woodruff, Lungwort, Catmint, and Hostas have grown together in a carpet of loveliness that makes me feel very "old English garden".  It's such a joy to sit on the bench and be surrounded by beauty.

Cooper especially enjoys the days spent outdoors when the whole "pack" is together.  He is growing a bit gray on the muzzle of late.  I guess gray hair happens to the best of us.

Over near the house in a shady area beneath a bush the Jack-in-the-pulpits are having a good year.  This is one of five and each one is a little different than the others. 

In yet another garden is a large Lady's Mantle.  I am always captivated by their ruffled leaves that draw the rain and dew down to the center creating small drinking fountains for insects and birds.  How perfectly nature takes care of itself.

I spent some time this morning trying to get a shot of the play of the light on Buddha's face. 

He resides on a pedestal among the artemisia and fern beneath the crab apple tree.  The lady's mantle pictured above is right at the base of his pedestal.  He adds to the general atmosphere of peace. Remember that you can click on any of the pics to see them larger.

Speaking of gardening, if you are on facebook, have you discovered the wonders of Farm Town?  Warning: it's a little addictive.  In a good way. :-) 

Comments

[Joy]

Lovely! I think I'll have to put lady's mantle on my list of plants to add.

[PainterWoman]

I hadn't ever seen Lady's Mantle. Pretty.