A couple of weeks ago while visiting my daughter, Linda, I was introduced to the book "Emily Dickinson's Gardens, A celebration of a poet and gardener" by Marta McDowell. I returned home and quickly ordered a copy of my own from Amazon.com.Yesterday, I spent almost the entire day reading this inspiring book. It made me want to go outside and start digging in the soil. It also reminded me of the plants I have on my property, many of them given to me by my children on various occasions. There's the fragrant purple Lilac that stands near the street and a sweet smelling Mock Orange that sits next to the house and climbs toward the roof. In our front yard, stands a pink dogwood (I had two, but sadly one died last year) and a gorgeous pink peony (a gift from my husband); in my backyard garden there's a Chrysler Imperial Rose bush--all of these were gifts of love at special times in my life, each one a sacred treasure.
My own little piece of Eden has many plants and an orchard which will soon be in full bloom. There will be Bing cherries, Royal Anne cherries, plums, apricots, cherry plums, pears, several varieties of apples, Concord grapes, peaches, and pawpaws. Shade will be provided by ancient English Walnut and Filbert trees. There are also blackberries, raspberries and red rhubarb.
The book also reminded me of my backyard Serenity Garden and the solace I find there each day throughout the summer months.
Today is sunny and warm--a day that gives added meaning to "Emily Dickinson's Gardens" and the joy we find in the color, fragrance, and beauty of summer.
Linda has created a wonderful blog for gardeners at Emily Dickinson's Garden. I encourage everyone to go there to explore Dickinson's poetry, plants, and the joys of gardening.
~Which flower is your favorite?
14 comments:
You have a lilac bush? That was my favorite flower back in PA and sadly there aren't any here in Fl. Love the smell!
Yes, I have three of them, one of which is in my Serenity Garden.
My favorite flower is the 'Festiva Maxima' peony. White with red flecks in the center, it's more fragrant than any rose.
Marilyn- I have only one..a pink peony, but it is beyond gorgeous. We have had people come to our door to ask about it. I've never seen the one you mention, but I know it much be outstanding! Thank you for introducing it to me.
I like all the flowers that grow in my favorite season of the year...spring...tulips, Hyacinth,
and my Lilac bush I have in my back yard...
but my favorite two flowers are the rose and Iris...
It sounds like a lovely garden - especially with all the "connections" you have with your plants.
JD- Jim and I were just talking about how beautiful the landscape would be in a week or so with all the flowers in bloom.
SuZen- Those connections are precious, indeed.
Mmmmm! I would LOVE to visit YOUR garden. It sounds wonderful.
Pat- Wish you were here to pick some fruit in my orchard.
Barbara, My favorite flowers are daffodils. There bright yellow color and the time of year have special meaning to Bob and I. We lost our little girl and he brought her daffodils the day before she died. Did you know the Nikki that commented yesterday is my #1 daughter - mother of 6 boys. Her blog is Life With Boys.
Lea- I love daffodils, too. When Jim and I were first married, we lived in western Washington where they grew in abundance and we could buy them on any street corner. We didn't have alot of money, but Jim would sometimes buy them for me to have in a vase on the kitchen table. They were so fragrant and fresh and remind me now of our young married days.
No, Lea, I didn't know that Nikki is your daughter, nor did I realize you had lost a daughter.
I can imagine how much the beautiful daffodils mean to you and Bob, and I am so sorry for your loss.
I love lily of the valley and bleeding hearts. Small bells and pink heart! Your gardens sound wonderful.
Planting is putting your roots down too. Whenever I move there are plants to plant from the old house, no matter what it takes to get them there. I love day lillies and cross-pollinate them, collect the seeds, and get beautiful new colors.
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