Sunday, April 5, 2009

Finding Joy in the Garden

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot.
—Eleanor Roosevelt
Today became a day of reflection and contemplation as I began the wait for the appointment for the MRI knowing that it would determine the path ahead.
Haydn and I went to the Maitland markets; we know that Autumn is the perfect time to plant. On our arrival home I walked into the garden and snapped a few pics for this post while Haydn got the ride on mower out.
Even using the camera is difficult at this time. I pray that it is nothing more than the Carpal Tunnel that is causing the problem. Not having use of the three fingers on my right hand can be challenging.

The small green tree frog has made a home on the leaf the frangipani. We were given two frangipani plants by Mick, a tenant in one of the industrial sheds in Haydn's complex.
This Allamanda Cherry Ripe survived sheer neglect after the sale of our home in Charlestown. We lived in a colourbond at the factory for 18 months while waiting for the house at the farm to progress to the point it was habitable.

Two weeks ago we went to the Vacy Village Country Fair and bought this apricot Chinese Lantern from the CWA lady. It was reasonably priced and funds raised went to the CWA. It is nothing more than a stick and now has almost one dozen flowers


The colour in this picture does not do it justice. This magnificent magenta Buddleja davidii or Butterfly Bush attracts the most amazing butterflies to the garden for about 9 months of the year.


This Euphorbia Diamond Frost was planted in November when we undertook the transformation of the bush garden in memory of Jeremy. The flowers are like millions of tiny butterflies and it flowers all year round.


Purple Fountain grass surrounding the frog pond in the bush garden.


The magnificent flower of the Gordonia Axillaris.



Love the delicate flower of the Grevillea Orange Marmalade.



This lavender Butterfly Bush is in the bush garden and flowers almost all year round. The plant was bought for $1 at the markets in Lakes Entrance when we went to Victoria for the butterfly Release on the first anniversary of Jeremy's accident.

This is the lemon miniature Chinese Lantern bought also for $1 at the markets in Lakes Entrance. It has not stopped flowering.


First flowers on my Protea Pink Ice.


Once again, the colour of the flowers on this Butterfly Bush are so much so much prettier than the picture shows.
The intention of the garden is to provide a natural and safe habitat for birds, butterflies and animals.
I certainly felt at peace with the world when I came indoors and decided that sharing it with you would bring even more joy.
Wishing you all love, light and laughter.












9 comments:

Michelle said...

Beautiful! I will be thinking of you tomorrow.

xx

Michelle said...

I mean today :)

mandy said...

Cheryl you have such a wonderful array of colours in the garden..
I too will be thinking of you today and hoping like mad it is only carpel tunnel....
Positive thoughts are coming your way my friend...xxx

Anonymous said...

Love the flowers Cheryl, can't wait till it drys here so i can get mind going..Will send a email tomorrow play poker today didn't get home till 2 then been on couch with the chills, over over tired. Can't wait to hear how appt. went today.. Sending big hugs your way. XOXO, Kaz

Unknown said...

looking lush dear chez xx

Diane Rodgers said...

Hi my dear friend,
Your quote by Eleanor Roosevelt...I am praying you don't have to go there... You have been through more than enough ... I am praying for nothing serious and a simple way to rid you of this pain. Please dear God, keep our friend, Cheryl in the palm of your hand and see her through this as You made her...happy, healthy, and whole...
Your flowers are simply gorgeous sweetie! Thank you for posting them for us to see and enjoy with you! Isn't it amazing to see all of the gorgeous shapes and colors and perfection in each one! That deep purple butterfly bush is something beautiful! You will get many butterflies!! So wonderful your bloom time lasts so long there in Australia....here only for a few months each year! This is where that nice warm weather is wonderful for gardeners ...Soon you will be able to go out there and really enjoy all that you love to do!
Waiting to hear good news on you. Love you sweetie,
Diane
♥♥♥

aaaaaaaaaaa said...

Hi lovely Lady Chez, Hope your scan went okay, what great pix! you have an artists eye :) its funny I have discovered many quotes I love are from Eleanor Roosevelt,..here's my fav "No one can ever make you feel inferior without your consent" beautiful blog Chez, there is something very "A Secret Garden" about it, have you read it? great book. take care, Shazam

Diane Rodgers said...

Hi Cheryl, I am worried again...no sign of you anywhere on the pc...I know the pain has been horrific again ... or still...Just need to know you are ok and we are all praying for results for you soon and a way to healing.
Love you my precious friend...xox

Alli said...

I love your garden.....I have never seen a "butterfly bush" before..

Just passing by to say hello....

Alli XX