
what comes from stress and evening walks
I went for a walk around the hood this evening, after spending hours in the garden, and walked past a most highly manicured garden in the world which must belong to someone who owns a garden service called Momentous Impressions Gardening. (because the vans with that name were parked out front) And it makes perfect sense because this garden has the greenest, most even grass blades in the world, the most manicured clumps of vegetation and the sharpest edged borders from where peaks of the darkest, richest soil can be seen.
Oy Vey!
Then I round the corner and come up to my garden. The one with the wonky photinia hedge and giant, overgrown cherry tree.
And volunteer fir trees and lawns with more weeds and moss that actual grass.
And a hodgepodge of saved plants from neighbourhood construction sites and rustic, old fences.
And I think, “what the heck am I doing having a garden show?”
So I hope people can look past the imperfections and see the glorious bits.
Like this wild and gorgeous clematis which looks like clematis with a bad hair day.
And the small vignettes I’ve set up in places.
And the saved apple tree, which went from a hand full of leaves and one rotten apple to a glorious green top and a full harvest last year, and places for wildlife with this small pond, a bird bath, three fountains and some water plants.
But the tea cart is all washed and ready to be put into service and to be loaded up with tea cups and cookies, and Morgan is keeping a watchful eye on the goings on and always eager to test things out.
The broken irises have been gathered into vases,
The roses and clematis are starting to open, and a wholly inappropriate chandelier has been hung in the garage just because it looks lovely there.
So nevermind the mess. I think it’s going to be OK. π
sorrygnat
looks beautiful to me!
Veronica
You’re such a sweetie Esther. Thank you so much. Big hugs. π
Joanne Sarah Andersen
I prefer wilder, more overgrown places to roam…I’d be scared to touch a petal in other more ‘perfect’ gardens.
Yours look amazing!
Good luck with the party π
xx
Veronica
Thank you so much Joanne. I do too. Love to run around Kew never worrying about bending a blade of grass the wrong way, and then tend to stay away from the fussy universities in Oxford which have those “keep off the grass” signs. π
Christie Juhasz
If one were to name your garden service it would be “Memorable Impressions” because there is so much more to your garden than any perfectly manicured space. Lots of TLC and meaningful beauty.
Veronica
Thank you so much Christie. How are you doing sweetie? I have to pop over to Flickr and check in on you. π
Christie
Doing pretty good. Just got back from a quick trip to Virginia. It was lovely and we even got to go hiking in the Shenandoah National Park. Hopefully I got some decent pictures to post.
Veronica
Just looked up Shenandoah, (boy that’s a fun word to say, isn’t it?), it’s beautiful there. I love that whole idea of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For me, (Pacific/Euro mouse) the East is so romantic sounding. Looking forward to the photos. π
Nikki
IT IS FABULOUS!!!
Veronica
Thank you so much Nikki. π
daryledelstein
i know nothing about garden shows or real gardens for that matter but i do know what i like β¦ natural real unmanicured nature β¦
Veronica
Oh good. I love biodiversity the most and never see it with perfect lawns. Give me green weeds with bees and ants and lady bugs any day. π
mysoulfulhome
Oh I wish I could some to your glorious garden tour!! Like a house, a garden gives a “feel” ~ and your garden gives a very good one indeed. Enjoy it as I know your visitors willβ¦ xx
Veronica
Oh if we lived closer to each other Kelly, can you imagine the wonderful trouble we’d get into? π
dawnsrays
This time of year is without words! all these fresh blossoms and the greenest of the greens! It is just all so serene and cosy. Enjoy it!!
~Dawn
Veronica
Good advice. Thank you Dawn. π
Patty/NS
The BEST gardens are the ones like your’s, that are put together with found and saved bits and pieces and come together with love. Your garden will long be remembered as a magical garden, I am sure. It will resonate and leave a happy feeling with the visitors : )
Veronica
Thank you so much Patty π I think the saved gardens are the best too. Anyway, I can’t bare to see the plants destroyed. π
vastlycurious.com
Your humor, interjected with the usual fabulous photos of volunteering Fir and escaping Hostas ! It looks great to me as I am not gardening at all this year ! It’s going to be okay.
Veronica
I keep thinking that it’s going to be OK in the end, and if it’s not OK… π
eganj1
My garden is wild and overgrown but it’s lush and green, i leave weeds like queen Ann’s lace because it looks pretty.
Veronica
I love queen Ann’s lace! That’s a very wonderful idea. Chloe and I saw a sign the other day which read, “may all your weeds be wildflowers”. I love that thought. π
Sara v
Definitely going to be OK! Better than okay–fabulous!! The reason you have such a rich beautiful garden is because you are an artist, not a manicurist. π Love it!
Veronica
Aw, thank you so much. I love that…that’s right…I go get the manicures…lol. π
Judy C
Your garden is amazing – wish I could see it in person. It reminds me of an English garden – just the right amount of perfect π
Veronica
I wish you could come here too Judy. I’d make you a nice cup of tea! π Thank you so much.
Pamela Smyk Cleary (PSC)
Looks beautiful! Would love to wander your garden! Will have to settle for a vicarious stroll. Keep posting pics. π
Veronica
Aw, I wish we were closer. I’d make you a lovely cup of tea. π I will.
EllaDee
I found your blog via your comments on Celi’s thekitchensgarden and have been quietly popping in from time to time but your beautifully crafted garden has inspired me to compliment you on your style – garden, interior, art, and otherwise… Sadly distance prevents me from calling personally to your art in the garden show but I’ve vicariously enjoyed the preparations and I’m sure it will be a success.
Veronica
Hello my new Australian friend! Thank you so much. We’re a nice bunch, us farmi fellowship, aren’t we? I’m so glad you said hello because now I can go visit you. π
samascaro
So beautiful! I am enchanted with your garden!
Veronica
Thank you so much. I am too. π