Once again, I've slid off the grid. Holidays & such. One thing I did do that was 'garden-y', was to look out the windows at my dormant landscape - a lot. Sometimes it made me wistful, other times it made me peaceful. During our first "real" measurable snow fall recently (in January, which is unprecedented in the Midwest) , I also noticed the stark 'structure' within the gardens.
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| Pink Guara (dormant - January 2012) |
With garden edges obscured and stone walkways covered, dormant plant structure became the visual interest. Organic sculptures - only not in a museum. I would have never before imagined it, but the views just struck me. Maybe because there is more 'vacant' space in the gardens since they are relatively new - but I wished for more to look at. (Note to self: need more plants - Spring 2012)
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| 'Wine and Roses' Weigela - in the Winter Sunset 2012 |
Though there wasn't the vibrancy of the 'growing' months, this Winter 'garden' had quiet poise. There was a 'Zen' ambiance I could have looked at all afternoon. Believe me, it's a short trip around these gardens - plunked in the middle of suburbia. But I have seen amazing landscaping in small places, and that gives me motivation!
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| Sunset on the 'Shade Garden' - the rustle of the winter grass is riveting |
So, while it was refreshing to reconnect with the 'winter shade' of gardening - I'm "ok" to have a few more fallow months before I get back into "garden mojo". (I am anxious to see last year's new perennials come up in 2012. Now I just have to add more - 'sweeps' of Anemones and Candy Tuft, a new 'Natives' garden in front, visual 'green' screening...) Until Spring 2012, I'm going to live vicariously through my garden blog friends. Slowly but surely, I am getting around for blog visits - and looking forward to see what you have been up to!
Namaste
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The downtime in winter obviously gives you an opportunity to see what's needed out in the garden. I love the sound of sweeps of Anemones and Candy Tuft, but I'll also look forward to seeing the new natives garden develop.
ReplyDeleteBernie - Happy New Year! This will be the first season I will commit to a large grouping of a single plant type, but I just love the way it looks in other gardens. Time to make that 'Natives' plant list (will be a 'full sun' garden) and decide on a garden 'shape'/size.
DeleteMy garden too. The color is just a memory, but still the garden offers up interesting shapes and forms. And fun foto ops. I like the weigela image in the backlit sun. Weigela is a stark reminder how long we have to wait until bloom time again. It is very slow to come out of its winter slumber.
ReplyDeleteDonna - I fell in love with your winter garden photos on your latest post. That is what I aspire to - lots of texture, clever design and plant variety. (No more living in a suburban fishbowl!)
DeleteI think all gardens look lovely in the snow. The picture of the 'wine and roses' is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHolley - I'm so glad you stopped in for a visit! (I've been missing my blog friends...) I couldn't imagine a year without snow - especially with recent years of landscaping. Thanks for the kind words on the Weigela picture. :)
DeleteI need the time also during winter to catch up on inside projects.
ReplyDeleteWhat are are some of the new plants you are planning on for 2012?
Inside projects, excellent point! (I've been in denial about those!! ...mostly sorting and purging projects...) I'm starting to make a list of Midwest 'natives' for a new front garden (maybe an 'island' shape?). There is a "Chocolate" Heurchera that is SO cool. Also on the list, Allium, False Indigo, Husker Red Penstemon and Sea Holly.
DeleteA winter note to self of "need more plants" sounds like a license for spring plant shopping. I hope you'll take us all along for some vicarious shopping pleasure when the time comes :-) -Jean
ReplyDeleteJean - I will be very happy to post on my plant shopping 'exploits'! It's going to be hard to keep my enthusiasm tampered, and not shop too early in the season!
ReplyDeleteNamaste! I tend to think there is a way to winter gardening, a very introspective one, the one that prepares to spring, and is also time for re-connections!
ReplyDeleteLula - so well said! (I especially like the 're-connections'.)
DeleteI try to find the beauty in the winter landscape, though it's hard when the pretty snow turns slushy and dirty and I'm tired of being cold! It does make me appreciate springtime.
ReplyDeleteBumble Lush - I'm right there with you. It's been raining since last night (icy cold rain & wind), and all the 'post card' snow is gone or dirty, muddy grey. I've actually been re-reading my Spring & Summer posts - it helped!
DeleteIt's a nice reflective time, winter...we need to recharge our batteries and dream a bit. Glad to see you're back! Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments. You always make me smile ;)
ReplyDeleteI've been web-surfing for ideas of privacy screening and it's made me very wistful (while getting creative juices going). Time to tap into "Zen" vision... :D
DeleteI love the way gardens look in winter. it's why Pat and I never cut anything down in the fall. I missed your blog. thanks for the comments. jim
ReplyDeleteHi Shyrlene,
ReplyDeleteI think gardens in snow look almost as lovely as they do in full bloom. I do prefer the summer, though.
Hi Shyrlene,
ReplyDeleteI love to see a new snow; everything looks so bright and clean. I'm with Cat. . . this is the perfect time for dreaming and reading.
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