I was working on an article, and I found these lovely photos while I was on a search for something which worked with my piece. Since we are getting ready to have the Mother of all cold fronts, gaze upon these beauties. First, is the gorgeous agave Helen Weis and I saw when we visited the Dallas Arboretum. It was faboo, and Helen recently reminded me that I had to work very hard to get this photograph going around behind the bed to get the right angle.
The second photo is of the bulbs I forced this fall. They are now large and beginning to bloom, but I liked them best at this stage when they were full of expectation and opportunity. Some of them worked, and others were an epic fail. Still, they’ve given us months of enjoyment. You can’t beat that. I wrote about forcing bulbs and other natural gifts for Lowe’s.
The last photo is another from the Dallas Arboretum. I think it has such an ephemeral quality, and it is one of my favorite all-time shots. Helen and I were walking around the Japanese garden when the misters suddenly came on making our journey a magical one. I can’t tell you how many different shots I have of this small lantern, but there are so many. There are good reasons people are attracted to Japanese gardens. All that peaceful green mixed with stone makes us breathe deeper and slower. In the hot summer, they are cool and serene. The imposed order created by clipping and spacing the trees helps us feel safe and in control of our world. Japanese gardens are made for strolling through and are to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. The next time you walk through one notice how the elements of the garden mimic clouds–puffball trimming of the trees–water–raked gravel–and mountains–large stones. All reasons why Japanese gardens are one of the most popular garden types in the world.
If you can, before the Arctic front hits, try to get outside today and enjoy the abundant sunshine. It’s a perfect day for a walk, or in my case, a leaf clean-out of the beds. As you’re walking or working, think on those things which make you most happy. All of us should count our blessings, and when I count mine, I think of you.
Those shots are beautiful! What I especially like about the Agave picture is the contrast with large patches of purple (from Mexican Bush Sage?) and pink behind it.
One of the reasons I LOVE taking so many photos is to look at them through the winter. Although now with Pinterest I can lose myself on there for hours looking at all the lovely garden images. The agave is particularly lovely, I’m a big fan of that color in the garden!
Hope you stay warm.
Love the image of the Japanese lantern! Japanese gardens are one of my favorite to visit–the minute I step into one, I immediately feel calmer and more serene. The Arctic blast has hit here, too.
Just lovely!
Lovely photos – and a fun idea to look back and pick out favorite photos for a blog post . . . hmmmm.
Beautiful shots, Dee! I especially love that agave. Stay warm.
Love that last photo and my those bulbs are doing well…they look lovely as they are emerging…
The two from the Dallas Arboretum remind of the magazine assignment David Perry gave us at the Bloedel Reserve. They are magazine quality shots!
Oh Dee! Such wonderful photos…I especially love the lantern shot. I hope the cold front isn’t too bad…your poor garden has had a rough year.
What wonderful images, Dee! The lantern is indeed full of enchantment, the very best kind, peaceful and calming. I love buds as much as flowers, too. So full of promise and potential. I also went out and enjoyed a moment of sunshine, it began hailing just as I came in!
Really enjoyed your post! Thanks for sharing!
May all your gardens grow,
Jan
The prelude to cold front is upon us. Rain, rain and more rain to come. It might turn to snow tonight. I received a small Japanese lantern for Christmas. I just love them. I have it situated under my Japanes maple surrounded by Jap. Grass. We have had such a mild winter so far I can’t complain if we get a little snow.
That is a beautiful shot of the agave. I am reminding myself that soon the garden will be filled with loveliness and I am filled with gratitude and appreciation for my dearest friendx. xoxogail
Thank you for the reminder to count our blessings.
The pictures are wonderful!