Finding Winter

When the leaves stop falling, before there is snow,

we look for the intrigue in cold, short days.

The children find it.

A walk of purpose turns to a hunt for treasures.

The bunny-soft thrill of pussy willow catkins,

chicken eggs discovered in a tree hollow, 

berries as crisp and bright as a late august bloom.

American pussy willow catkins (Salix discolor)

Winterberry, ilex verticillata

The Garden in Santa's Sleigh

In the greenhouse,

dahlia and tuberose lie.
Their roots wild with newfound freedom.

They bask in the warm air

like gifts piled high on Santa's sleigh.  

What more could we ask for this Christmas than for

the bounty to survive 

another winter?

A Day Well Spent

Rain came today.
After a streak of late December sun, the rain dropped.
We have not yet finished building a walkway to our front door but the little man likes to "work on it."
Today his work produced multiple wiggly worms and boots that we call proof...of a day well spent.

Miniature Red Bench Giveaway!

When I was a little girl nothing was more alluring than finding a place, somewhere hidden in the trees, to build a tiny home for the fairies.   Even more than a dollhouse, an outdoor world is built with magic.  Stones form the walkway, twigs - a garden gate.  

This tiny red bench by Janit Calvo is the perfect addition to your miniature garden.  Whimsical, cheery and in that organic, earthy setting an unexpected pop of color.  

 Customized at Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center studios in Seattle, Washington. 
www.TwoGreenThumbs.com

To enter the giveaway simply become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment telling me your favorite memory of playing outdoors or spending time in a garden  and I'll pick a random comment on January 10,  2012.  

 Comments close at midnight, January 9, 2012. Open to US and Canadian residents only. Make sure you leave me a way to get a hold of you.  

Building

If we could stop ourselves from dreaming,

we might return to our postage stamp garden in the city.

We could plant a tomato, maybe even have room for a hydrangea.

We might even take up a different dream that didn't involve gardens, or flowers, or living so far away from....everything.  

We could travel more perhaps. Or get involved in politics.  Maybe start a band.

But for reasons we don't always understand, this is our dream.  And we build it, the old man and I. 

Wish List

My dear friend and writer of the blog www.tribal-times.com asked for a list of garden related Christmas Wish List items....my first thought, a fairy house in Maine.  A site on Etsy offers this little garden bench and though most of what we find will be gathered from the woods this would be the perfect candy-coated addition.

In Maine, the secret islands are hard to find.
Steps leading through a forest.
Shell flowers inlaid.
Cups left for drinking.

If you run fast enough and straight at the light you can gather enough to take home with you.  It is the perfect way to begin.

Check out my wish list Tribal-Times.com 

Palette

Years ago the flower was unattainable.

         Except for the stolen crocus in early spring.

Now flowers pour over us like rain and create a palette  - broad in acquisition. 

"plant painting"