A Walk in the Woods

Today, the last day of March, dawned bright and clear, launching me out of cozy dreams. At this time of year, the sun peeps over the horizon and into our bedroom window exactly at the spot I first see when I open my eyes.

I love days like this, when golden rays flood through our tall trees, defying the dire predictions of the weathermen.

It was a billowy sort of day, with billowy white clouds, and billowy white blossoms, both fluffed about by a billowy breeze, with enough of a chill to warrant a jacket.

I set sail for the arboretum for a walk in the woods, dazzled by the light and beauty along the way.
True, I’d been there just a few days before, and a few days before that, and a few before that. But at this time of year, with so many lovely things poking up from the ground and sprouting from the ends of branches, you can’t leave it too long or you just might miss something.

And, oh, what somethings! Rhododendrons and camellias and magnolias, some I’d never seen before, so I can’t even tell you the names yet.

Back at home, there were robins and chickadees and varied thrushes and crows, and daffodils and hyacinth…and our beautiful rhododendron called “Cheer”.
And walking through the woodland garden, I was so proud to see all the happy colors I’d planted, where there had been bare earth when we first moved in.

And there I found the very first bud of the very first columbine.
So, farewell, dear March. We’ve so enjoyed you. You came in like a lamb, and went out like…a lamb – a soft, white, fluffy, billowy lamb. With a cold nose.
• • • •
Thank you, everyone for your visits and too kind and thoughtful words on my last post. Honestly, I am really thrilled that you visited! (I’m a bit distressed that I haven’t responded to everyone yet, but I have read your comments and am very delighted by them. Thank you!)
xo
– g

What’s Blooming Today

…in the garden

Clockwise from top left: Narcissus ‘Tete a Tete’ (daffodil), Iberis sempervivens (Evergreen Candytuft), Hyacinthus orientalis (Hyacinth), Pieris japonica (Lily of the Valley Shrub), Muscari armeniacum (Grape Hyacinth), Purple, white and blue Vinca minor (Periwinkle), Daphne odora (Winter Daphne)

Clockwise from top left: Rhododendron ‘PJM’, Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart), Camellia japonica (Camellia), Rhododendron ‘Cheer’, Chaenomeles (Flowering quince, japonica)
Well, at least this is some of what is blooming.
Aren’t shadow boxes fun?
Thank you so much for your overwhelming comments on my last post. Really, huge thanks and huge hugs. :) xo – g

I Heart You

Dicentra specatabilis, Bleeding Heart

Sending you a necklace of hearts today to say thank you for your many recent visits and comments. Even though I may not have gotten back to you yet, know I read and cherish every word you share.

I especially loved reading all your favorite “scented” memories, and was struck by how many were from a very early age.

Isn’t that fascinating?
The scents of childhood are truly indelible.

The Bleeding Hearts in our garden are quite vigorous already this year. But these are from the Woodland Park grounds.

Nature is the world’s best and original color consultant and designer.

Don’t you love the combination of the hot pink flowers with the chartreuse and yellow leaves? Bold, daring, thrilling and gorgeous. Who needs a color wheel? Just look out the window – all anyone needs to know about color already exists.

It is officially summer here in Seattle. Yes, summer. We reached 70 sunny degrees here today, a record breaking temperature for this date. Working in the garden for a few hours on some much needed tidy up, I was actually hot. But rain is in the forecast, which saves me a long circuit round with the watering can and hose.
But I still clean and fill the birdies’ baths by hand. They really appreciate it.
And I appreciate them.
(Making good progress on my big project – nearly one thousand of five thousand or so images completed. I’m either out shooting or in at the computer, or weeding. Hope to catch my breath when I’m done and launch some new, fun things I’m planning for here.)
Have a colorful, warm, flower-filled spring, summer, autumn or winter day, wherever you are, and may the glorious colors and fragrances of nature inspire and cheer you.
xo
– g
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