In Edmond, Oklahoma, there are several parks. One is Mitch Park, best known for fields where the ping of softball on aluminum bat can be heard most weekends spring and fall. But, the park contains secrets within its walking trails behind the backstop. City planners created a prairie within the open spaces, and the birds and other creatures don't seem to mind sharing their urban habitat. Why doesn't the city on its website, highlight the diversity of wildlife and wildflowers living within the park instead of merely the covered picnic areas? It's not the only walking park within the city, but its complicated, five-mile, network of trails make it my favorite. Last week, I noticed the liatris was blooming brighter and more profusely than it had in years so I grabbed my little Nikon Coolpix P300 and shot a few pics the next day. Diva was home from school, and...

I was working in the garden last Saturday pulling out weedy grasses and deadheading annuals for a last show when the teens decided to come outside. My son, ASW, wanted to know if there was breakfast made. It was Noon. Diva, home from college, looked like a princess awakened from a long slumber. My youngest, Bear, stood at the edge of the garden staring at me as she often does. It could be disconcerting, but I know she is just thinking. Bear thinks a long time before she speaks, but when she does, it's usually profound. Diva and Bear were set to attend the state fair and wanted money among other things.They also awaited their friend while she got permission from her parents. I stood in the middle of the side bed hip deep in weeds. I fielded everyone's questions, and ASW went back inside while Diva and Bear remained...

This morning, I woke to a fine and cool day in Oklahoma after yesterday's return of the heat wave. I stretched my arms above my head as I sat in bed and told my husband, "Today I will garden." "It's about time. Have fun. We'll watch the OU game tomorrow and perhaps catch a local car show this weekend if you feel like it." As he spoke, my arms came down, and I felt a small, cold knot in the center of my being. "I am afraid." At one time, I would have brushed aside this little voice and soldiered on without listening. But, today was different. I lowered my chin toward my belly button where the small voice repeated, "I am afraid." I closed my eyes, took in a deep breath and listened. "Of what?" I asked. Insistent and fast thoughts tumbled over me. "The grass, Johnson grass and...

In case you missed it, last weekend was the Oklahoma Horticultural Society's annual Garden Tour for Connoisseurs. At one time, the tour was held each spring, but now, it is a fall treat. And, what a treat it was. Eight gardens, seven of which were individually owned by people just like you and me. I volunteered in one of the gardens in the morning, and then toured in the afternoon. I love garden tours, but even more, I love working one. I was in Ernesto and Lin Sanchez's garden, and I enjoyed meeting so many people from all over Oklahoma. It's such a special moment when you tell someone a particular detail about a garden, and their face lights up. For example, from the front of this urban location, it appears the backyard will be cramped and small, but when you come to the end of this manicured space you...