I’ll admit it. I’m a fool for April with its changeable skies: cloudy, sunny, cloudy again. I’ll even take the wind, although it leaves my face gritty after I walk.
I’m a fool for newly unfurled leaves glowing against red bark.
I’m a fool for narcissus, those stalwart, deer proof bulbs now dotting my yard with color and fragrance. I no longer remember all of their names, but I still love their complicated shapes and colors all contained within the palette of white, yellow and pink. Gail at Clay and Limestone wrote about Situational Narcissus this week. You should go and have a look see.
I’m also a fool for hellebores, but you knew that. Mine are still blooming beautifully and will until the weather gets really hot. The red and blue ladies are in their third season, and, like can-can dancers, really strutting their stuff. Interestingly, although Helleborus x hybridus ‘Red Lady’ and H. x hybridus ‘Blue Lady’ are tissue cultured, and therefore, supposed to remain true to form, I think they look alike. I have two red ladies and one blue lady, and it is difficult to tell the difference. Barbara from Mr. McGregor’s Daughter has H. x hybridus ‘Pink Lady’, which looks very similar to mine. Someday, I’ll write a post about seed strains and such, but for now, you can read what I wrote for State by State’s newsletter about hellebores.
The flowers of the euphorbias are making an appearance. Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is new to the shade garden this spring and is already in bloom just like my older variety on the opposite side of the garden. The ‘Blackbird’ variety I planted in a container last summer died, probably from the cold even though the pot was in a protected area next to the house. I am happy to say the three Japanese maples planted in containers are doing great. I think I will move them into more shade this summer though.
“April showers bring May flowers,” but in Oklahoma, they can also bring huge thunderstorms with lightning and even tornadoes. Like the storms of life, they quickly emerge and then pass away. Let’s hope whatever is making my father-in-law, Ken, ill also passes with godspeed. He has been in the hospital for over three weeks. I send blessings to my sisters-in-law who are tirelessly caring for him and my mother-in-law, Marie, who is home. He seems to be improving, and so I hope he will quickly be set right.
I only write this because I believe for the first time in years, we won’t have our large Easter celebration here on Sunday. My mother and sister will come, but perhaps no one else. It will be different, and change is hard, but life is full of it. I’m just grateful my mother is well enough to come.
It’s Holy Thursday, and tonight we celebrate the Last Supper with the washing of parishioners’ feet and final consecration of the Eucharist. Although tomorrow is Good Friday, and we’ll be attending the liturgy at 3:00 p.m., for me, Holy Thursday is the saddest day of the season. As in the Old Testament, a garden becomes an important part of the story. The disciples fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane, leaving Jesus to pray and face Satan alone. Then, Peter betrays Jesus. To die for others is hard, but the disciples’ betrayal and lack of faith were harder to bear.
As they care for their ailing parents, my sisters-in-law are in the Garden with Him, but they are awake. Suffering is never easy to watch especially if it someone you love. Having cared for my mother these past few years, my sister and I give them our hearts and this final bouquet of flowers they probably won’t see this Sunday.
A blessed Holy Thursday everyone and Happy Easter.
Happy Easter, Dee. I hope you are enjoying your family and garden on this day and I send good wishes for your father-in-law.
.-= Willi´s last blog ..Inoculating Peas with Rhizobia Bacteria =-.
Sixty-five degrees in spring: wow. That’s just about as hot as it gets here. Your yard looks like the perfect place for an egg hunt. Mine is covered in snow still. Phooey! Hope your loved ones recover speedily.
Christine in Alaska
I hope despite your family’s situation that you can still make the most of your Sunday and celebrate Easter. I also hope your father-in-law gets better soon.
A joy to follow you and your garden throughout Holy Week. Easter Blessings, dear Dee, and enjoy those near, a true blessing!
.-= joey´s last blog ..‘EASTER BLESSINGS’ =-.
and I’m a fool for your wonderful way with words.
Love,
Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island
I absolutely love euphorbia… especially since they are poisonous to gopher, which I have in abundance!
I love the view of your front garden. It’s beautiful.
Blessings to your family this Easter.
.-= Sweet Bay´s last blog ..Blooming Friday ~ April 1st, 2010 =-.
Thank you, Dee, for the Easter blessing with St. Francis in the background. What a lovely vignette!
Sending wishes for healing to your father-in-law and best wishes for a lovely gathering even though it will not be as full as you’d have liked. I can really empathize, as we now don’t get to attend as many functions as we’d like, with the long drive home between me and my family. Certain holidays feel strange indeed without the whole group gathered ’round. May your gorgeous spring garden lift your spirits!
.-= Meredith´s last blog ..by the way =-.
How lovely your garden is this early spring and what a comfort to be surrounded by all that beauty. Have a wonderful and meaningful Easter weekend
.-= Dorothy´s last blog ..Home again =-.
Dee, blessings be upon you and yours this Easter weekend and indeed throughout the year. I’m so glad you have your beautiful garden to comfort and sustain you through the rough times.
.-= Cindy, MCOK´s last blog ..I’ve Changed My Mind … =-.
My best to your father-in-law and your family.
.-= Jean´s last blog ..Digging Austin’s Spring =-.
Lots of reasons to be a fool this day. thank goodness they revolve around a warmer day!
.-= compostinmyshoe´s last blog ..An Education on the Hedge =-.
Dee,
With you, I hope for your other father’s recovery.
Change is hard. Our Easter dinner will be a quiet affair as well. No more big gatherings around Mom’s Easter table. We’re just remnants now — my brother, sister and I. But we keep Easter in our own ways, at our own tables.
When I wrote last night’s post, about there being no better place to spend Holy Week than kneeling in the garden, I could not help but think of Jesus, kneeling in the Garden of Gethsemane. I didn’t write the connection — but it was there never the less.
With you, I look forward to Easter morn — when with Mary Magdalene, we can mistake the risen Jesus for the gardener — for this little snippet from St. John, I like to think of Jesus as the world’s first Master Gardener.
Your front garden is beautiful in its Easter best.
Peace to you and yours,
Janell
.-= Janell West´s last blog ..No Better Place =-.
Dear Dee, Your beautiful words brought tears. I agree with you that Maundy Thursday is the saddest of days. You obviously have a strong faith and I am sure it will bring you through this tough time. I am praying for your FIL and for you and your family. Lovely photos. Pamela x
.-= Pam’s English Garden´s last blog ..Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Bees to your Backyard =-.
It looks like the Easters of long ago at your house. Even as things change, some things stay the same. I hope for a return to their usual state of health for your ailing loved ones.
.-= Nell Jean´s last blog ..Mayhaws, Prized Fruits for Making Jelly =-.
Easter blessings to you, too, Dee. I hope that your FIL continues to get better.
.-= Carol, May Dreams Gardens´s last blog ..Decisions of All Sizes =-.
Dear Dee, So very sorry to hear that your FIL is still ailing~~I know he is surrounded with love and good care and that can help healing move along…..Thank you for the link love, I am tickled pink that you liked my post;) I am even gladder that you are in my life~A happy Easter to you and your adorable family. gail
.-= Gail´s last blog ..Muse Day~The Sun =-.
Hope and spring go hand in hand. Hoping for the best for your FIL and a blessed Easter for you and your family.
.-= Kathy from Cold Climate Gardening´s last blog ..Seed-Starting: Online Help =-.
Lovely post Dee. You’re father-in-law is in my prayers.
Thanks for the link love. One of my ‘Pink Lady’s looks just like yours. The others look like ‘Blue Lady’s, so you just never know. Your garden looks perfect for Easter, just filled with blooms. I love April too, it’s definitely my favorite month. I’m saying prayers for your father-in-law’s recovery. Happy Easter!
.-= Mr. McGregor’s Daughter´s last blog ..My Apologies to the Deer =-.
All the best to your family this Easter.
.-= Gardener on Sherlock Street´s last blog ..Rain Barrels At The Ready =-.
Here’s hoping your father in law heals quickly from whatever is ailing him and that your family is able to cope with all this upheaval. You’re all in my thoughts. Pax, jodi
.-= jodi (bloomingwriter)´s last blog ..More interesting new blues from plant breeders. =-.
Your garden has risen again. Happy Easter to you and yours.
Wow – this is so beautiful. Hope you are able to enjoy your smaller gathering in His name this Easter, and continue to delight in the gifts of your beautiful garden.
.-= Cyndy´s last blog ..Song for a Little House =-.