“No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, no culture comparable to that of the garden.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

 

For anyone living in North Central West Virginia, you may be thinking, “Spring?”  You see… rain, sleet and snow will be arriving today and tonight.  But prior to today, we have enjoyed a few spring-like days, and the sight of daffodils blooming in the area.  However, with the approaching cold weather I cut many of these cheerful beauties from our garden, and  scattered them about the house.  They will keep us company while  ‘Old Man Winter’ pays us another visit ~ his last, I hope.

“Daffodils come before the swallow dares, and take the winds of March with beauty.” ~ William Shakespeare

Spring is what most gardeners live for.  We are out and about in our gardens, in all sorts of weather, checking to see what may be peaking through the soil, trying to get ahead of the weeds by pulling them while the soil is damp, cleaning and snipping to make way for new growth, and dreaming of things to come.  And, if you suffer from the gardening bug to the extent that I do, perhaps you are talking to the peonies.  Telling them how gorgeous they are and that you just can hardly wait to see them again.

“I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.” ~ Ruth Stout

One spring treasure in our garden is our beautiful Carolina Jasmine.  It is such a marvelous treat when the Jasmine blooms.  I love drinking the intoxicating fragrance ~ truly, a gift from above.  The fragrance makes the entire garden a heavenly place to ‘simply be.’

“Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?” – Neltje Blanchan

A cold misty morning in March can likely find me scattering the seeds of my treasured French poppies.  Yes, they are from France, and were sent to me from a friend who lives near Giverny. They were on the property when she purchased her home, which dates to the early 18oo’s.    After much research about these treasures, I believe them to be an heirloom variety named,  Antique Rose.  

While on my tour, I always stop to visit the Iris girls.  One of my favorites is Jennifer Rebecca.  She has lovely shading and is so frilly.

But as I stand and look around, taking time to remember what this precious spot of earth looked like thirteen years ago, I am so very grateful to have been blessed with a love of gardening and a passion for blooms.   And, while I love all blooms, my heart pounds for peonies.  In my opinion, they have it all.  As the girls begin to take center stage in May, I do hope you won’t tire of their photos.  You know, girls love a camera.  Here are a few of their photos from last spring.

“A rose is a rose, but a peony is a friend forever.” – Unknown

 

The Fawn and Maggie.  Maggie was my grandmothers peony (deep pink).

Bartzella, with my husband’s hand for size comparison.

Red Charm

I sincerely hope you have enjoyed your visit today.  Please stay tuned, there is much more on the way.  And, wherever you may be, I hope this finds you enjoying all the beautiful sights and sounds ~ the glorious “Rustle of Spring”(please visit here).

 

Wishing you a most beautiful day !

 

Au Revoir,

Sandra

 

“Rustle of Spring,” by Christian Sinding

At the Piano, John Ogden

 

Photos:  Michael Lambiotte, Facebook, Pinterest