Monday, June 14, 2010

Inspiration - Not Always When You Expect It!

Impatiently driving home from work last week - it seemed like every time I turned a corner, traffic was backed up all the way to the next traffic light.  I like open road and a little speed to feel the wind in my hair!  If I had a rag-top convertable with 5-speed, I might not look back.... 

Me & my 1st car - a 'few' of years ago!

Anyway -- in order to avoid the backup on the main road, I took a shortcut down a sidestreet.  As I tooled down the quiet sidestreet, I checked out folks' landscaping.  Then I saw it - the most innovative landscaping I've ever seen in our area of the suburbs!  The front garden created an oasis - tall grasses, key garden 'anchors' (like Scotch Pine and River Birch) strategically placed, and even a charming small umbrella'd table and chairs in a nook where the home's sidewalk met the driveway.  It stopped me in my tracks (until the next door neighbors came out of their house, so I decided I better keep going)!

Two days later I randomly took the same route.  To my surprise the home owner was out tending to her garden.  On a complete whim, I pulled over to park and went to meet this creator of garden beauty.  I introduced myself and inquired if she was the home's landscape designer...  she was, in fact!  For the next hour, this innovative garden designer took me on a full tour.  The backyard was a treasure trove, garden vignettes everywhere you looked! 

Figuring I had been bold enough to stop for a visit, unannounced - I felt too invasive to take pictures (with my little cell phone camera).  But I will tell you what I learned:

- In 23 years you can create your own garden santuary - even in the suburbs
- Some plants are prolific and even with the 'greenest' of thumbs, some plants aren't
- Wonders will happen for those willing to take the journey - and gardening is a journey
- Gardeners are generous, sharing words of wisdom - even if you're a complete stranger

I've invited my new garden friend to read my blog, I hope she stops by....



Exotic bouquet - not in my garden, but on my desk last week!
(A random photo, just because...)

7 comments:

  1. I hope she stops by too - what a wonderful person to welcome you into her garden and share it's story with you!

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  2. That sounds like a good impromptu garden tour and probably the best because you got full attention and you could ask lots of questions and learn a lot. I like the photo of you with your first car.

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  3. Hi, Shyrlene. Aren't these random shots of inspriation fantastic? I've been known to stop and talk to homeowners...quite often, actually. It's fascinating how much you can learn.
    BTW...love your first car photo!! :)

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  4. I suspect she would be thrilled to have you come back and take photos to post on your blog! And I would love to see them!

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  5. Shyrlene, Love that photo of the younger you with big hair! Like Deb, I think she would have been thrilled to have you take photos. Next time. -Jean

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  6. I've met some very nice people and seen their beautiful gardens on my neighborhood walks. I am not shy about asking to see their gardens , so that helps. So cool to find something special on a detour of life ! Gina

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  7. I love the feedback you all have given me! SO good to know that stopping to visit a fellow gardener is something you have done too! (I will look for an opportunity to stop by again and take pictures!) (Thanks for the 'props' on the car photo!) ;o)

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