Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. by Albert Camus
Catch a falling autumn leaf for good luck Bite into a crisp apple As if for the first time In the garden of Eden Let Spring wash over you See every flower grow in slow motion Walk through the seasons a second time When every falling maple leaf Becomes a wish in dreaming… ©AnitaDawes2022
There’s not as much going on in the office as I would like, but I have been busy elsewhere. I usually sow some seeds every Spring, with varying degrees of success but this year I must have been blessed!
These sweet peas seem a little reluctant to climb up the poles, I expect they will get the hang of it eventually. Excuse the weeds that are trying to climb into the pot!
I have lost track of how many times I have tried to grow sunflowers. Big ones, short ones, every colour available, but no good. This year I am trying short bushy ones, and so far, so good!
Dahlias are another favourite flower and almost managed to reach the flowering stage last year. Determined as ever, I tried again this year, only to have the seed trays ravaged by the local birds. I am left with six plants…
These tomato plants are from my local Tesco. I bought them to get a head start over my tiny seedlings, but they don’t want to grow either, still too cold, I expect.
These were ravaged by the birds too, and these were all I could salvage
I love sea holly with its blue metallic leaves, and bought these plugs from a well-known nursery, but when do they get blue? Or have they sent the wrong thing?
These azaleas were from old seeds I found in the shed. I never expected them to germinate! I wonder what colour they will be?
I snuck this sapling onto the list, as I am rather proud of it. A three-year-old willow cutting, on its way to being a bonsai…
A thought has just occurred to me. I am going to need some larger pots and mounds of soil if they all make it! I also wish it was as easy to grow a book…
When someone suggested that I take a look at my own garden to see if I could find six signs of life, I hesitated. Surely it was still too early? I have been so busy trying to avoid all the recent misery and depression, I had assumed that the rest of the world was doing the same.
At first, I resisted the urge to step outside and head for the garden, but gradually, curiosity took over and I had to have a look. Right outside my front door, I spotted the small green spikes of the dwarf daffodils, bravely pushing their way through the dark purple leaves of the bugle.
Beginning to feel a little more optimistic, I walked to the bottom of the garden where one of my favourite plants lives. A purple rhododendron, probably older than I am judging by the ancient branches, was sprouting big fat flower buds. Another welcome sign of Spring!
Looking around, everything else looked dormant, and then I remembered the evergreen heather. Tucked away in one of the flower beds, hiding under the wisteria, it always seemed to be in flower. I hurried over to the spot, expecting to be disappointed only to be greeted by the usual display of the tiny lavender flowers. I was smiling now…
As I turned around not expecting to find anything else to smile at, I almost walked right the camelia. This has never managed to thrive but always flowers well with pale butter-yellow flowers. Suddenly, I couldn’t wait for the weather to warm up!
That was four signs of Spring, but I needed two more.
As I passed the shelves of sleeping bonsai, my ancient azalea almost waved at me. I stood and stared at it in astonishment. This plant has never bloomed at this time of year before, always preferring the run-up to Christmas. This is a very special double white azalea, donated to me years ago in a very bad condition, and I could definitely see the white flower buds. Spring or Christmas, this would be a wonderful welcome!
I still needed one more, and I racked my brains to think where any new growth could be hiding but came up empty. As I pondered, my gaze found my baby pine seedlings. Technically they are not brand new growth, having sprouted late last year but they have survived the frost and the bitter cold, so could I stretch a point and add them to the list?
I walked back indoors in a much better mood than before, and promptly turned my office into a battleground, achieving more progress in an hour than had been done in the last few weeks.
So thank you The Propagator Blog. wordpress.com for your suggestion…
I am instantly reminded
Of Monet’s Garden
A dream like painting
The alley has the same appeal
Who knew a seventy-five-year-old
Would approve of graffiti?
To walk through this alley
Would be like walking through
many minds at the same time
What story
would they leave in my grey matter?
© Anita Dawes 2021
A non-eventful week, but instead of worrying about the lack of progress, I have been counting my blessings. And despite the lack of evidence, I did find quite a few!
Top of the list: Work on the WIP has finally begun, and that alone has made my heart sing.
I have started knitting again. Nothing like a new great grandchild to get me reaching for a ball of wool and it is a great way to relax in the evenings!
The garden has been my greatest blessing. Everything is waking up, reminding me that life does go on, no matter what, so thought I would share some of the best bits!
Hope you all enjoyed the walk around my blossoming jungle…
Rhododendrons, always so beautiful…
My favourite cherry tree!
This agapanthus hasn’t bloomed yet, but I’m hoping!
and the one I most look forward to!
I just love my garden… can you tell?
Collage and images by Jaye Marie
Anita Dawes and Jaye Marie 