Rose Garden

“The beauty of that June day was almost staggering. After the wet spring, everything that could turn green had outdone itself in greenness  and everything that could even dream of blooming or blossoming was in bloom and blossom.” — Dan Simmons “You walk through a series of arches, so to speak, and then, presently, at … More Rose Garden

Wild Beauty

“Cherish sunsets, wild creatures, and wild places. Have a love affair with the wonder and beauty of the earth.” — Stewart Udall “People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.” — Iris Murdoch    Wild Beauty — Gardens at the … More Wild Beauty

Full Bloom

“You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down.” — Charlie Chaplin “The bloom may be brief but the memory of its beauty will last a lifetime.”  — Doe Zantamata *   *   * Delight in Full Bloom — Ornamental Kwanzan Cherry Tree blossoms photo by Mary O’Connor © 2019

Comfort in Patterns

“Art is the imposing of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment is recognition  of the pattern.”  — Alfred North Whitehead “There is in all things a pattern that is part of our universe. It has symmetry, elegance, and grace – these qualities you find always in that the true artist captures. You can … More Comfort in Patterns

Taking control

“Sometimes we let life guide us, and other times we take life by the horns. But one thing is for sure: no matter how organized we are, or how well we plan, we can always expect the unexpected.” — Brandon Jenner Staghorn (or elkhorn) ferns receive their name from their unique horn shaped fronds. Also … More Taking control

Torchlight

“We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.” — Ben Sweetland “The torch America carries is one of decency and hope. It is not America’s torch alone. But it is America’s duty – and honor – to hold it high enough that all the world can see its light.” — … More Torchlight

Welcome home

“The wildflower wreath of feeling, the sunbeam of the heart.” — Fitz-Greene Halleck “Once again…welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely, and leave something of the happiness you bring.” — Bram Stoker   *   *   * Fall colors offer welcome greeting — Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2018

Sneeze-bringers

“I know the lands are lit, with all the autumn blaze of Goldenrod.” — Helen Hunt Jackson “Sneeze-bringers and seed-bearers, full of bees and yellow beads and perfect flowerlets…” So writes poet Mary Oliver when describing the infamous goldenrod. To author Stephen King, they are “that most tenacious and pernicious and beauteous of all New … More Sneeze-bringers

Wondrous

“Take care of your inner, spiritual beauty, that will reflect in your face.” — Dolores del Rio “Look at the world around you. It may seem like an immovable, implacable place. It is not. With the slightest push—in just the right place—it can be tipped.” ~ Malcolm Gladwell  *   *   * Beautiful world … More Wondrous

Sanctuary

“When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there’s always the garden.” — William Affleck “Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time.” — Herman Hesse  *   *   * Florence Griswold Museum Garden — Once described as a ‘veritable tangle of fragrant beauty,” Miss … More Sanctuary