Luscious Lilacs- Spring Surprises

One of the very best things about moving into a new house with an existing garden is the very first Spring. I am delighted almost everyday by a new arrival poking it's head from the ground or a fantastic bloom surprising me with radiant color.

Yesterday I was overwhelmed by the smell of my hedge of Korean lilac. The aroma drifts onto the deck and into the house. No perfume can compete with nature.

I have gardened for many, many years. As an apartment dweller my porches were cluttered with potted flowers and plants. After I graduated to houses I keep a variety of perennials, most of which I moved from one abode to the next.

While living in our previous house I lost my will to garden ( a tragic occurrence). We lived on a very busy street and the relaxation of puttering in the dirt was lost by the wind whipping semi trucks and wolf whistles (must have been blind men) that came when I worked in the yard.

I kept up the premise of being an avid garden, but the thrill was gone...

This new garden here at the Courtyard House has renewed my garden spirit. I can work without an audience, the only ones admiring me while I dig are hearty robins hoping I unearth a juicy worm. It is gardening as it should be.

It is during gardening that I am revived from life's challenges. I have the space of the outdoors, the quiet of the day and I can actually experience consecutive thoughts without interruption. At the end of the day, when my muscles are tired and I am calm I can say,

"Yes, this is good."