Sitting in the garden in bare feet, the wind blows with the hint of a soul of snow. Sunshine and mini daffodils; mockingbirds and honeysuckle sprouts. Nutmeg thyme and log-round side tables. Panting dogs who stay in the sun. Our garden is a small, private, secret place. We've grown white clematis over the fence in mountainous disarray to hide us. I've peppered the ground with purple alyssum and blue poppy seeds. We have left a small patch of grass liberally interspersed with clover, and will mow this with a push-mower the previous owners left. We have been here three-and-a-half years.I know what the sunshine does in the backyard: how it climbs over the neighboring roofs and hits certain parts of our garden at certain times. I now know what to plant where, according to its sunshine likes and dislikes. I know which chairs will be in shade by 11am, and where to put the sun tea so it gets the maximum amount of soaking in the rays. I know that if I let tiny, sweet, fresh-sprouted sunflowers grow in certain spots, they will quickly cast skyscraper-sized shade on my lavender. I know that the goldfinches will come with their fledglings and make short work of those sunflowers, picking off the petals on the top of each huge bloom to make a space to perch.
Ours is a tiny backyard, but we love it much. (I think the feeling's mutual.)
On another topic: Pugly Pixel featured some of my Polaroids on her blog yesterday, which sometimes highlights her favorite flickr photos. If you care to, go over and have a look!
6 comments:
Such similarities and differences here. I've lived in my home for 3.5 years, too, and also have a tiny secluded garden. Unfortunately, mine doesn't receive any direct light, but I've finally learnd what will grow and thrive. It's my happy place.
Oh goodness! I really liked this! I'm very ready for spring! :)
Btw, I just found your blog and really enjoy it! I even shared it with a friend. :)
Brigitte ~ Yes, I too would call my little garden my happy place! I love that idea. :)
Sara Bethany ~ Thanks so much! Glad you stopped by: I can't wait for spring either. It seems every day something else is starting to bloom outside. :)
I can't wait to have my own little green space too... I think I would plant sunflowers just to see the goldfinches.
Victoria ~ They are the best, absolutely stunning little bits of color. The goldfinches, I mean (sunflowers too- this year we are trying a chocolate red kind, along with the yellow.) I get a kick out of how the goldfinches blend into sunflower colors so well. :)
Post a Comment