"...Prune thy Vineyard..."

Thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof ... Leviticus 25:3

Pruning is removing certain parts that are no longer required or effective for that plant; they are of no use.  The goal for the gardener is to enhance the plant by bringing energy to develop flowers, fruits, and the limbs that remain -- a healthy, hearty plant!  Just as our heavenly Father instructed the Israelites to prune their vineyard, we also need to take a look at our lives to see what needs to be removed, what is dull, dried, dead, inhibiting growth.  Removing the old will cause a rebirth within the plant to revive it and renew it. 

Everyone who prunes, does have a tool; we may use a variety of shears, clippers or even a saw. Natural pruning occurs constantly; we think nothing of it in wild areas or virgin woodlands. That tool may be a harsh wind which blows the dry branches and dead leaves off a tree or bush.  Possibly the tool is a small animal who nibbles away on the shoots while searching for food.  I would have to say that our pruning tool is the Word of God, provided by our Maker to help us shake off what is unnecessary in our lives.  By examining the Scripture, we can see habits or activities that pull us away from spiritual growth and prevent us from renewal.  Desires we have may cause us to shrink or shrivel in our walk with Christ.  By examining ourselves with the Scripture, God will bring to light whatever holds us back and helps us push forward with regenerating life.  Our purpose is to bear fruit for Him, for our home in heaven.  One way to accomplish this is through that very process of pruning.

A look at Colossians 3:8-10, 12-14 will show the results of removing what is not essential for our growth.  Pull, tear, clip away, break off  all these - anger, wrath, malice, filthy communication, lies, ... part of decay and dead matter - old.  This is of no use!  Rather, allow growth, referred to as the "new man - renewed" in knowledge after the image of Him, our Creator!  Put on rather "mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, long-suffering, forbearance, forgiveness and Put On Charity."

                                   "And let the Peace of God rule in your hearts" Colossians 3:15.

Thanks be unto God for his Unspeakable Gift. - II Corinthians 9:15

The Unspeakable Gift - Our gracious Lord has so extended His love and mercy to us in giving a bountiful harvest, beauty through every aspect of His creation and the promise of peace of mind while on this temporary dwelling with the hope of an eternal future with Him.  All of this goodness that we experience and look forward to has come through one ultimate gift -- so pure and precious -- we cannot speak of the priceless sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ who redeemed His people through His blood on Calvary's cross.  Praise be His holy Name.

"God is able to make all grace abound toward you ... now He that ministers seed to the sower both ministers bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us Thanksgiving to God."  II Corinthians 9: 8-11

Preserving Autumn

"Delicious Autumn! My very soul is wedded to it.  And, if I were a bird, I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."  George Eliot aka Mary Anne Evans.

To some, the coming of Autumn brings a touch of despondency for the shortened days, weather's chill, and the decline of summer's blooms.  How could one experience such?  Summer's blossoms are soon replaced with the beauty of Autumn's palette: golden highlights across the fields, bursts of orange among the trees and crimson ornamentation near the pickett fences and porches.  The wonder of Autumn's colors never ceases to amaze me! Road travelers who venture out in October's countryside, view nature's glow and are awestruck.  Fisherman traveling to that salmon stream are overcome by the rich colors they encounter during their three day outing.  Hikers and bikers often select October for their weekend getaway knowing the fabulous scenery that awaits them is unmatched during any other season. 

If you'd like to preserve such beauty, collect autumn leaves at their colorful peak; press them in the phone book for a day or two; then dip these treasures in melted wax.  Gulf wax, sold in a butter size box, works best.  Remove one rectangle, melt it in a double boiler pan (with hot water below) using an aluminum pie plate at the top.  The wax melts quickly and is ready for dipping. Turn off the heat. It's best to hold on to your leaf with kitchen tongs by the stem.  Gently dip it and shape it near the edge of the pan - curl the edges slightly.  Shake excess wax gently and lay each leaf on a sheet of wax paper.  It dries in minutes.  Each rectangle of gulf wax will coat at least 50 med. leaves.  You can dip your dried rose buds, too!   These will last for months without crumbling.  I even have boxed my favorites to save them for the next year. 
                                                                                                                                                    
God's word tells us that our Lord preserves us and helps us in Psam 116:6. "O Lord, thou preservest man and beast" Psalm 36:6.  Preserving is more than saving for the future, it is keeping safe from injury or harm as in Proverbs 2:8 "He preserveth the way of His saints."  It's a lovely promise: Preserved by Him.

A Touch of Pink

Dianthus - Pink, White centers

The color pink always reminds me of the heart as well as tranquility, harmony, sentimentality ~ pleasant emotions harbored in our hearts.  I guess that is why I like to sprinkle pink perennials - bright to pale - throughout my garden.  The very hardy Dianthus which means "divine flower" comes in a variety of colors; there are over 300 species! This family includes Carnations, Pinks, and Sweet William. The photographed plant is one of my favorites because the outer petal is so vibrant while the center in contrast is pure white. Dianthus need at least 4-5 hours of sun, well drained/rich soil, and watered well once or twice a week.  If you cut the dried flowers back, expect continuous blooms.  Be sure to divide the plant in fall or spring. 

Below to the right is the Bee Balm with nectar attractive to bees as well as hummingbirds and butterflies.

Monarda - Bee Balm - Pink

These plants easily grow from 2' to 4' tall with the right conditions.  They'll stand up to full sun as well as light shade.  Well drained soil is best as you may notice powder mildew if the location is too shady or too wet.  The most common color is the red which has been referred to as "Fire Crackers;" possibly because this plant will often open to wide blooms close to July 4th.  You'll also find white bee balm; however, my favorite is  soft pink, reflective of this pleasing and practical plant. 

Back to our heart with a thought from Psalm 27:14 "Be of good courage, He shall strengthen thine Heart."  Claim this promise when you need a lift -- let the color pink fill you with a calming confidence that your heart, the seat of your emotions, can rest on the strength of the Lord. Think Pink!!

"Into the Garden"

Genesis 2:15 "And the Lord God took man and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and keep it." Wouldn't you have to say that the oldest profession is horticulture-gardening,farming? I've heard other claims; yet, according to the Bible, we see the first man given a responsibility of dressing and keeping the garden. This was actually before the word "sorrow" was introduced to Adam and Eve when the curse brought the concept of difficult labor, associated with sweat, from beating down the thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:17-19).
Now, I am thinking that since there was no sorrow associated with Adam's first role, and no pressure to provide for his wife and family, that tending the garden must have been an enjoyable task. He was a perfect man, in a perfect environment, with the perfect Creator as friend and teacher. It just seems natural that dressing and keeping this beautiful Garden of Eden must have been the perfect hobby. It is no wonder that so many of us find such pleasure in examining each of our blooming annuals, monitoring the growth of our perenniels, and catching in the scents of our fragrant herbs. Think of Adam and the Beauty of Eden next time you step "into the garden."
A few years ago, I stepped into the garden to find what appeared to be a wild rose bush trying to grow under our mammoth maple tree. I doubted whether it would ever flower. I watered it, and trimmed it, and nurtured it for three full years. Humm ... will anything come of this? I was pleasantly surprised to see many little buds appear in June. What color? How many petals I wondered. One day these buds blossomed into tiny white wild roses! This little bush was truly a gift from God. Something that seemed to come from nowhere. So pleasant to look upon - I am sure these posies in miniature were part of Eden's garden. Here's a photo for you to get a               glimpse of nature's wild and white rose clusters.

Sundrops - Yellow Evening Primrose

God ~ Our Sunlight
Psalm 84:11

June is the perfect month for the four petaled Sundrop - Latin Oenothera - to fully bloom in shade or sun. This hardy perennial is an excellent addition to all types of gardens where a burst of yellow is needed. Also called the Evening Primrose, it is easy care, drought resistant, not fussy with soil types and does not seem to attract pests. This is a perfect fit for Midwest gardens as it holds up to long, harsh winters and gladly welcomes the sunshine in spring. All varieties seem to multiply quickly and can easily be divided then replanted. The name Sundrop was given as the flower seems to open fully while the sun is high in the sky and as the evening begins to settle, the yellow petals will drop and slowly begin to close.

A scriptural reference to the sun is found in Psalm 84:11 "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory ..." Once again something as simple and lovely as the canary colored Sundrop can portray the true Source of earthly Sunlight, our Light from the darkness of sin and that Light which shines in and through our individual life. It is only by His grace and glory that we can enjoy the benefits of his beautiful creation. "Lord thou has been favorable unto thy land" Psalm 85:1.

"Tulip"

"Tulip"

Spring is welcomed by the dazzling colors of tulips. Nearly every serious gardener has a few tulips sprinkled among their spring perennials. There's a sense of comfort and serenity when the tulip blooms are spreading open near a front door or sunny walkway. Although many think the tulip bulb originated in the Netherlands, it actually was imported from Asia -- mainly Turkey and Persia -- in the 16th century. The bulbs became so popular especially in Holland that they were traded for unbelievably high prices; this phenomena is still referred to as the "Tulipmania" of 1637. Today the Dutch tulip bulbs are still in demand, being shipped all across the world. Here's another fact: the bigger the bulb, the larger the bloom. The circumference of the bulb will make a difference in the quality and size of the flowering bloom. The best time to plant these bulbs is in the fall before the first frost, use a little bone meal and dig deep enough to keep the squirrels away.

The word TULIP has another connotation: it is the acronym for what is known as the Five Points of Reformed Doctrine. Simply stated, T = Total Depravity, U = Unconditional Election, L = Limited Atonement, I = Irresistible Grace, P = Perseverance of the Saints. Many believe that this originated with John Calvin (1500s) then was further promoted by the Puritans. However, it is actually traced to the writings of Augustine (350-430). This systematic 5 Point approach teaches that God is Sovereign over the affairs of man based on many Scriptural references to His Grace and Mercy, particularly in matters of eternal salvation. When thinking of the Tulip, I cannot help but whisper a prayer of thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior for preparing a path for His children and assisting them throughout their walk. Though there be rough spots among the shadows; or when the the path is smooth with streaming sunlight, He directs us forward. "Thou shalt walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Proverbs 3:23,26

"Truth shall Spring out of the Earth"

It is God's handiwork on this earth that proves the very truth of His existence. Living in the mid west with four distinct seasons has awarded me the privilege of examining God's flora and observing natural patterns as the weeks and months progress. Each spring flower that pushes its way through the earth seems to say, "I have a Creator, a Designer." Entire volumes have been written on perennials, biennials, and annuals. Gardeners are told when to expect the arrival of the buds, how long the plant will bloom, and when it will fade. We study the publications with lengthy descriptions of the plant; accept the facts because careful research of growth cycles have been charted; then design our own gardens accordingly. Is it possible that the consistency of each growing plant could possibly be an accident? Doesn't all of this detail offer proof of a plan and ultimately a Planner?

Psalm 85:11,12 "Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from Heaven. Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good..." The Truth of our Creator is evident as every little green stem and leaf pushes out of the moist, dark soil. The righteous God has given so much to reveal that He is!! His purpose in this lush vegetation is not only for beauty and nourishment but to teach the truth of his presence! Yet so many reject Him and His words!

"What is Truth?" asked governor Pontius Pilate as he gazed upon the bound and beaten King of Kings (John 18:38). Pilate could not, would not recognize Truth as he ironically stood before Divine Truth, the Savior, our Lord of Lords. It was in the "Hall of Judgment" (John 18:28) where truth vs falsehood were debated constantly; the absolute worst judgment in all of history was made. Truth was cast aside to appease the the voice of the mob, the will of the people, democracy demonstrated in majority rule.

Dear reader, as the fragrant breezes of spring come your way, please think of the Creator who made you. Think of the very Truth that He exists and that He has given us His dear Son easily disregarded by Pilate and delivered to the restless crowd who demanded His death. Take a moment to offer thanks for the pain that Christ endured at Calvary as He prepared the way for us to be given eternal life, designed by His Father, our Creator, our Truth.

"The Earth brings forth her Bud" Isaiah 61:11

The snow is now subsiding in parts of Michigan. Those sparkling, white crystals are turning to a dull gray and washing away. Greenish grass is making its appearance. I for one am hoping that a snow storm does not bury us once again in white before March 20th, our official first day of Spring! As the green wilted leaves of the rhododendron begin to stretch open to snatch every ray of sunlight, another plant is making its way through the cold clumps of snow. The Lenten Rose (Latin Helleborus) is pushing up from the soil and will be one of the first to bring a bud to our home. Several of these welcoming plants are near our front entry so we can enjoy the full blossoms in April. The Lenten Rose is on a stem about 12 inches tall and the blossom is about 2 inches opening in a pale pink then turning a soft green color as it matures. Several flowers will bloom on each stem, making quite a statement. The foliage is a deep green, striking and very hardy. The plant enjoys a shady location and seems to thrive with a bit of compost around the base and mulch. A touch of lime will help nourish it as well. Anticipating the bud on these attractive plants is such a treat, knowing the beauty that will follow. I do recommend you search for the lovely Lenten Rose to compliment your garden, and if you cannot find it, please stop by my house and I'll share a clump with you.

"All the Goodliness thereof is as the Flower of the Field..."

       Pulmonaria ~ Mrs. Moon ~ pink bud opens and matures to purplish color

So many wonderful verses referring to Creation and the beauty of it abound in the pages of Scripture. The handiwork of God, creation is called. Isaiah 40:6 notes a flower of the field being good, particularly in contrast to a field of grasses. As one walks through a grassy field, you may look down to notice a bright spot, low along the pathway. That little splash of color may cause a moment of quiet reflection. There is something so small and yet so vibrant. Truly it is a thing of beauty. Isn't that just like our God? He will deliver a sparkle in our own path, a bit of His creation to lift us up. That is just how God seems to work. At a time of discouragement, He will give a glimmer of good Hope. At a time of hurt or pain, He will provide a bit of consolation. At a moment of anxiety, He will grant peace. Just at that instant where a cheery bloom is nestled along the common grasses by the way, our Lord feeds our soul by sharing His beauty. "For thou, Lord, has made me glad through thy work" Psalm 92:4.

The Pulmonaria starts grow best if planted in a partially shady area, like under trees or bushes or near a fence. They like sunshine in the spring so they can open to full bloom and appreciate morning light. They do not like hot afternoon heat as they are likely to wilt.  These plants do not grow too well in hot, humid climates; they may suffer from powdery mildew under these conditions. Pulmonaria are lovely shade to semi-shade plants with extra cute early spring flowers with the two toned rosettes.  You absolutely must have spotted greenery in and among your garden flowers -- this will do it.

 

Primroses and Promises