“Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” ~ Roald Dahl
A few years ago, I remember reading we should be able to see something we deem beautiful from every window of our home. I thought about this the other day, as I was looking across the street at my neighbor’s cherry trees, imagining what a sight they will soon be weeping to the ground, full of bloom. From another window, I see my dear friend Cathy scurrying about her garden, and the daffodils she planted just about to bloom. And from still another window I see a magnificent purple beech, which will shelter many birds, and provide huge swaths of shade during hot summer days.
All my window sight-seeing started me to think about what may be in my neighbors view. So I thought I would share a few photos from last spring ~ my neighbors view. You can see we replaced a shrub on the right side of the house. The new rhododendron is blush pink, and doubled its size last year. Soon, it will catch up in size to its deep pink neighbors on either side. I am quite anxious to see it bloom this spring.
“A rhododendron bud lavender-tipped. Soon a glory of blooms to clash with the cardinals and gladden the hummingbirds!” ~ Dave Beard
The rhododendron is the state flower of West Virginia, my home.
The urn at the foot of the front steps, is loaded with cheerful geraniums. Geraniums are happy in this spot, as they enjoy morning sun and afternoon shade. Just what they love.
“Long experience has taught me that people who do not like geraniums have something morally unsound about them. Sooner or later you will find them out; you will discover that they drink, or steal books, or speak sharply to cats. Never trust a man or a woman who is not passionately devoted to geraniums.” ~ John Beverley Nichols, Merry Hall
Lining the walkway to the ‘jardin’ are the Annabelle girls. These girls literally stop traffic every year. They are glorious with their enormous blooms of white, changing to chartreuse before turning a soft brown. I disagree with Carl Sandburg who said, “I tell you the white hydrangeas turn rust and go soon.” Really, they do not. They begin to bloom around the 15th of June, and it is August before they are brown. Did you know, a bouquet of hydrangeas expresses the giver’s gratefulness for the recipients understanding? Also, hydrangeas symbolize appreciation and heartfelt emotion.
I hope you have enjoyed seeing a little of my neighbor’s view. And I hope, from the windows of your home, you also see something you deem lovely. I believe we miss a great deal when we don’t stop to look ‘out and around.’ For it truly is in the “most unlikely places that we see hidden secrets”, glimpses of extraordinary beauty, and more.
Wishing you and those you love, a most beautiful and peaceful Sunday !
Au Revoir,
Sandra
Photos: Michael Lambiotte, Pinterest
I liked what you said about the importance of being able to see something we deem beautiful from every window of our home. We have worked on that, but with Spring coming here soon (yes we still have mounds of snow) it’s a good point to consider as we go about our plans for the new gardening season.
You have a lovely home — thanks for giving us a peek into your world and neighbourhood, and thank you for the tip. Bren xox
Many thanks, Brenda. We are still pretty cold here also – but no snow. Hope you see signs of spring soon!
I love your neighbors views. Your geraniums,Annabells, and blue hydrangeas are lovely. The blue hydrangea with the statuary really caught my eye. I am partial to statuaries.
Your plants love their spots and really show their stuff.
I am enjoying my neighbors views this year especially with the great show the azaleas are presenting.
Bonnie, I imagine your part of the world is glorious this time of year. We lived for many years in coastal Virginia and that part of the country also has a great azalea spring show.
So happy you stopped by.
Your neighbors have breathtaking view!!!
Ah, Becky Rogers – you are too kind, my sweet and dear friend !
Beautiful, Sandra, your views from both sides of the glass. Those Annabelles remind me of our next door neighbor’s home growing up. And the Rhodies are beautiful. My present next door neighbor was talking about pulling hers out this year, as she doesn’t feel they’re as robust as they should be. I called her the Rhodie Rooter, as she was out of the country last year when they bloomed so beautifully (and I helped myself to a bloom or three or four for a Dorothy Draper tablescape!). There’s nothing quite like seeing those blooming in the wild along state country roads in WV!
I am getting closer to your package, likely the week after Easter. I’m heading out on a pick in OH with my sisters for the next few days. I hope you have a glorious Easter week.
Rita, thanks so much for your kind comments. I agree with you about seeing our native rhododendrons blooming in the wild – they are gorgeous. Have fun with your sisters. I am always anxious and thoroughly enjoy seeing your treasures! Hope you encounter nice weather. Safe travels!
Sandra, what stunning views that your neighbors have…Annabelles, rhododendrons, geraniums, and blue hydrangeas! I imagine your neighbors can’t wait for your peonies to bloom. I am also anticipating catching beautiful views inside your garden this spring! What a beautiful post!
Pam, thanks so much for your kind words. I am anxious for the peonies, too. Many are up about 2-3 inches. They will really take off running if we ever get some warm says. Thanks for stopping by and being such a sweet blogging friend !