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Sunday, October 15, 2023

Accepting Miracles

The title is the subject for ProfessorRoush today, a meme on my mind for all this past week.   My week of miracles started a week ago on a warm Saturday as I was engaged in lots of late Fall work in the yard, mowing, trimming, bushhogging, putting up hoses, and fully engaged in the activities I lump into "Fall cleanup."  My first glimpse of the miracles to come was this late crocus, Colchicum autumnale, a single, annually reoccurring survivor of the few toxic bulbs of the species that I planted years ago and long forgot.   Old age and fading memories sometimes provide unexpected benefits to old gardeners beyond our creaky knees and grumpy exteriors. 

And then, the same day, sitting down outside with Mrs. ProfessorRoush while we chatted with our grandsons, I spied this little sprig of life, a baby juniper bravely growing in the middle of a clump of River Birch, shaded from the sunlight it so desperately wants but also kept moistened and protected in the embrace of the birch.   Can't see the miracle for the tree?   Look closer!

If I left it here, to grow in the rotting organic debris gathered in the birch clump center, will it survive?   Choke out the birch?   Wither eventually, starved for light?   The young scientist in my mind still wants to know so I'm going to leave it growing here in the true sense of "letting nature take its course" while I observe.   A good gardener should always know when to accept miracles when miracles appear.

The sun and earth also conspired in the parade of miracles this week to give me these views of home and prairie as I came home late Tuesday.   Sometimes the light on this corner of the globe overwhelms me, although perhaps poorly captured in these photographs, as it did on this day.   The right angle, the right moment, and the grasses and trees and house were all shining left and right of me as I opened the mailbox and I just couldn't let the miracle moment go uncaptured.

Thursday, another miracle presented to Mrs. ProfessorRoush and I as we came home from supper, a moment of marriage so like many others until we pulled onto the garage pad and I noticed this unexpected bit of Spring transported to Fall, a blooming sprig of common lilac, isolated and alone among a dry and beaten hedge, but full of fragrance and hope for the next Spring to come.  I robbed the bees by taking it indoors where, for a few days, I could smell lilac before it faded into time again.

And was Saturday again, a Saturday like so many others but as welcome as rain on the prairie after a summer of drought.   My Saturdays are miracles every week, miracles brought by a dog wanting only love and a little game of frisbee to break up its long days of napping.  Bella has lots of gray now on her muzzle but her soul is still that of a puppy and her love waits only for me.   I'm convinced this dog counts the days of the week, knowing when it is Saturday and our weekly drive to McDonald's occurs and that I'll stay home and play instead of disappearing until darkness.   This last miracle, Bella in my life, is one I treasure every day, a daily reminder of all the beauty and love and happiness that the world can hold.

1 comment:

  1. I recently had the opportunity to compare French Lavender and English Lavender, and I must say, the differences are truly captivating.

    French Lavender, with its vibrant purple blooms and slender, delicate appearance, is an absolute delight. Its sweet, floral scent is incredibly soothing, making it perfect for aromatherapy and relaxation. I found that French Lavender's compact growth habit and the abundance of its blossoms make it a charming addition to my garden. It's a bee and butterfly magnet, adding a touch of nature's beauty to my outdoor space.

    On the other hand, English Lavender, with its timeless and rustic charm, offers a different kind of allure. The muted, silvery-gray foliage contrasts beautifully with the vibrant purple flowers, creating a serene and calming atmosphere. The fragrance of English Lavender is slightly more earthy and herbal, which I found enchanting. Its resilience and adaptability in various climates make it an excellent choice for gardens and even as a culinary herb.

    In the end, both French and English Lavender have their unique characteristics and appeal. French Lavender is elegant and delicate, while English Lavender exudes a classic and enduring charm. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the ambiance you wish to create in your garden or home. Either way, you can't go wrong with these delightful lavenders!

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    https://gardenersschool.com/french-lavender-vs-english-lavender/

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