First thing, thank you to everyone who helped to make the recent Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Show a big success! Thank you to all our guests who came for an afternoon of visiting and great conversation! Thank you to everyone who brought items for the show: your participation makes the show happen! Thank you to all who provided the yummy dainties for the tea, and for the hard-working people who made up the trays, made coffee, and served our guests; to everyone who helped in so many ways, from greeting guests at the door, to setting up and taking down the show. You all made it happen, and you deserve a round of applause!
I always feel very privileged to visit someone's garden: it is their own space, their special vision, full of their creativity and soul. I was so lucky to visit a stunning garden recently, a tour arranged by a dear friend to see another dear friend's garden. As I stepped into this special garden, it was as though I was entering a cool, quiet, shady oasis. The large trees around the property made a dappled canopy overhead, creating the perfect conditions for all the lush plants that call this garden home. There were all kinds of rich and velvety coleus; an abundance of hostas, and lush begonias. Elegant statues and planters dotted the garden. This beautiful landscape was actually a "border", but so rich in depth, color, texture, and diversity of plant material that I really felt it was a "garden" planted around the edge of the property.
You and I have talked before about how to design a garden based on what your needs or wishes are for the space. This breathtaking, well-designed space was not only beauty for the eyes, but also a tranquil spot for the gardener and her family and friends to sit and have morning coffee, afternoon tea, or just pause and rest from the stresses of everyday life. I could picture how easy it would be to sit there and feel enclosed in the wonder of the plants and trees, leaving the busy world behind. And indeed, with the large trees and the abundance of plants, the city sounds seemed to disappear.
The planters were amazing, lush and cascading with a variety of plants: the theme here is definitely "go big or go home!" with plants tucked into every inch of the planters. Each container was like a jewel box overflowing with treasures!
It was a beautiful garden, and I thank the very talented gardener for allowing me to visit. I was doubly lucky that day, because I also go to see the delightful garden of the friend who arranged the whole tour, so I was full of ideas and inspiration when I came home! Both of these gardeners plant their gardens and planters the way they dress: with style, elegance, and great panache! I wish summer was just beginning so that I could implement some of the great ideas that I saw!
I have had a poem on my desk for many years: it is a poem called "Genesis" by Martin Buxbaum, about a gardener forming their garden. Part of it goes like this: "Then I added swirling liliesmossy rocks, both large and smallSaw the beauty, slowly formingPleased was I and loved it all. With my task at last completedDown beside the pool I kneltLooked upon the life below meKnew how God, Himself, had felt." It's a beautiful little poem about how we are inspired to create our gardens, and I saw that on my garden tours. Thank you both!
Remember, gardeners, that the first meeting of the Yorkton and District Horticulutral Society will be on Thursday, September 19 at 7:00 PM in the Sunshine Room at SIGN on North Street; our special guests will be Joan Wilson and Paula Maier speaking about native plants. Hope you can join us! Till then, have a great week and be sure to wear a hat!
