New Years Eve 2022

Tis a quiet eve with monsoon rains falling,

dissipating the two feet of snow

that covered the landscape earlier this week.

Exterior Christmas lights extinguished,

I wonder why as the Christmas season continues

but to each ones own. My tree still glows.

Christmas cookies have been gifted to friends:

tins filled with Cherry Winks; Chocolate and Pecan Shorts;

Ginger Snaps; and Raspberry and Coconut Squares.

Rains have laden the garden bare of cover,

a cover needed but for now with warm temperatures

my fingers are crossed for its health come spring.

A Christmas gift to meself lays waiting for opening.

Another six books are piled on top of two dozen

awaiting to be cracked and read once night falls.

The History of the Lost Gutenberg is calling to me,

yet I need to finish one I began reading two months past.

The temptation to book mark is great, however...

My history, my paternal family research surprises me

with every twig I find them in West Canada and US,

always seeking employment and resettlement.

My voice, o my voice has returned with training

once having perfect pitch, somehow it had faded

but now I’m thrilled with its return, sing on!

As I surround meself with serenity of sound

and look out at the fog shrouded night

I give thanks for another year of love and light.

Tangled

 

Once strong an acacia branch

became tangled with a vine,

a grape vine, that wound

and wound around the branch.

Tendrils woven tight and securely

as a Celtic arm band or

perhaps a master wire winder

creating natures work of art. 

Mellow Yellow

I’ma catching up on postings...

In August I ventured to a local nursery, known country wide for its perennials. An hour away along one lane back roads, I left early and was the first to arrive on a sweltering Saturday morn. I do enjoy adventures.

Arriving I pulled into their parking lot, Exiting my vehicle, I was overwhelmed with the magic of the gardens. It is in a gulley and their native perennials and specimen trees fill the area. My first thought was this is the garden in Alice in Wonderland. The colours, the other-worldly blooms, overgrown plants, exotic trees, were exactly what Alice saw.

The owner meant me and provided a quick tour then left me on my own to wander. I can not describe the deliciousness of the display gardens, few words at all except to say I was in heaven. It said something of the owner when she refused to sell me a certain plant due to its invasive nature. It was a stunning plant but I took her advice and walked on.

After an hour of wandering I filled two carts with Hosta’s, Turtle Heads, Ferns and Anemones. My car was full thanks to the designer of hatchbacks. I was then off to another local nursery and left only when I filled every space with more pots of native treasures. Seat belts come in handy for larger pots. ;)

I chose plants with interesting foliage and blooms in 22 shades of mellow yellow. For every one pot to plant I had to move at least two. It took me three weeks to replant the shade garden. From sun up to sun down I moved, dug in compost, replanted, watered, stomped in then moved to another area.

Of course with every well laid out plant there’s a fall back. October saw warmer than normal temps and little precipitation so the water had to be turned back on and hoses set out. I’ve never experienced watering that late in the year. So there climate change deniers. It is real.

Plants purchased include Hosta Curley Fries, Lemon Lime, Forbidden Fruit, Coast to Coast, April Snow and Pauls Glory; White Astilbe, Lady’s Mantle, Songbird Columbine, Arablia Sun King, Turtle-head White and Hot Lips, plus a few more :). I’m looking forward to spring when all will burst forth from warm soil and provide me a calm yet bright blooming garden all summer long.

Bountiful Boxes

On each step my bountiful boxes

overflow with boughs of cedar, balsam, spruces and fir,

add to the mix of greenery with branches of golden beech,

and sprigs of bright red berries and ribbon wound,

creates a seasonal welcome to all who arrive.

winter solstice - haiku

early morning sky

the crescent moon announces

the winter solstice