"The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day.
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
A cloud come over the sunlit arch,
And wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March."
-  Robert Frost 

Our New England poet Mr. Frost provided the perfect description of May 2013; even his name portrays the chilly, yes frosty May in the Midwest.  We're fearing that the frigid winds and temperature drops may damage the starts of our perennials;  no, we have not even attempted to prepare the ground for annuals, as yet.  Mother's Day Gardening?  Hardly, all the mothers that were awarded potted, hanging planters have had to tuck them away to the shed, breezeway, or sheltered garage until the sunbeams shine thru the clouds and stay a while.

                                                                 

On a brighter note, my icicle pansies from last October returned to greet my visitors near the front door.  And, the few trillium survived winter as they usually do; the three white petals also survived some rodent that has destroyed them in times past.  The hardy pulmonaria  with pink and purple rosettes are thriving; the unusually frigid April did not hinder them in the least, much to my pleasure.  Also in abundance are a favorite of springtime: Forget-me-nots!  I doubt many will forget the Everlasting Winter of 2013. Although it does not appear to be so, we can rest assured there is a purpose. 

Job 37:10 "By the breath of God frost is given; and the breadth of the waters is straitened.  Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereeth his bright cloud: ... that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth."

Forget-me-not Folklore

In a German legend, God named all the plants when a tiny unnamed one cried out, "Forget-me-not, O Lord!" God replied, "That shall be your name."

Henry IV adopted the flower as his symbol during his exile in 1398, and retained the symbol upon his return to England the following year.

In 15th-century Germany, it was supposed that the wearers of the flower would not be forgotten by their lovers. Legend has it that in medieval times, a knight and his lady were walking along the side of a river. He picked a posy of flowers, but because of the weight of his armour he fell into the river. As he was drowning he threw the posy to his loved one and shouted "Forget-me-not." It was often worn by ladies as a sign of faithfulness and enduring love.     Folklore  credit to Wikipedia

Trillium - A Welcoming Wildflower

There are probably close to 40 species of trillium; yet the most common is white, pictured here trillium grandiflorum. You may also find these with soft pinkish petals and there are purple trillium, as well.  The three petals are perfectly shaped and ever so evenly placed.   These can be found near wetlands ... on the edge ... for the soil can't be too damp. And they like a shady, wooded area.  Because they are an early spring bloomer, they symbolize the "Joy of Spring."  Trillium are also representative of healing.  The Native Americans used many parts of this plant for medicinal purposes:  roots boiled in milk may ease stomach pain; leaves boiled in a base could help with skin rash/sores, the roots were also used to stimulate blood flow.  Because of this, the trillium is termed a gift of healing or simply a get well plant to someone going through hard times.

Naturally, the three perfect petals pulled together in the center remind us of The Trinity. White for cleansing and purity, Green for life everlasting.  The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- The Trinity -- is our ultimate source of healing, our great physician.  "Bless the Lord, O my soul ... who healeth all thy diseases" Psalm 103:2,3.

Righteousness Upon God's People and Nation

Sow to yourselves in Righteousness,
Reap in Mercy;
Break up your fallow ground:
For it is time to seek the Lord,
Til He come and
Rain righteousness upon You ...
         Hosea 10:12

One of the most beautiful portrayals of new life is the mother bearing her unborn child.  She is expectant of that very date and time when her newborn will make ntrance into this world through the pangs of natural birth.  Sadly, too many young women are terminating their pregnancies under the encouragement of the state healthcare officials and government funding.  Just today there was a slight hope for Victory over the abortion arena as a hearing was called this morning in the court room of Judge James Alexander at the Oakland County courthouse.  Many had hoped and prayed he would rule in favor of the Comfort Inn Suites and LIFE to throw out Planned Parenthood's case to open a clinic in Auburn Hills, MI, against current zoning regulations.  Unfortunately, the judge sent the case over to an appellate court.  The battle for LIFE continues.

Still we look to passages like Hosea 10 and ask God to touch the hearts of His people.  May they sow lives in righteous living, call upon Him, bow before Him, repent and pray, seek His face for guidance.  Then and only then will God rain righteousness upon this earth. 

Snap Dragons in September

Snap Dragons are part of the Foxglove family and really quite a fun addition to any garden. These easy to grow annuals come in a wonderful variety of colors to brighten any border, bed, or outdoor pots. You can try them in rock gardens and window boxes, too.  Clip and carry inside to add to your summer bouquet or leave them all clustered together in a cozy vase.  Generally they bloom early in  July.  When the heat gets unbearable, they'll wilt and die down.  With a little care you'll have double the pleasure for they could re-bloom in September or keep going 'til October.  (Cut them back and spread a little fertilizer with hopes for a second round.)

Great for kids and grand kids, take off the "dragon" and have a little fun - pinch and clip.  Clip on to earlobes for earrings, clip on to collar for summertime jewelry, clip on to fingers for posy nails, clip on to the back of a pencil or straw ... such fun for little ones. 

Hydrangeas - Around the World and at Home

These bountiful bushes of pink hydrangeas are actually lining Praska Street, at the oldest promenade in the Lower Town of the capitol city Zagreb, Croatia. As you pass, you'll immediately notice a faint fragrance similar to roses. Photo taken June 13, 2011.

Murano Island is home to this lovely walkway.  In addition to being the European center for glass blowing, one may find, adorning the bricks (ancient and modern), fully blooming bushes of hydrangeas.  Can anything be more beautiful?  Photo taken June 19, 2011

This Venetian Courtyard, not far from San Marco Palace, is partial to thriving hydrangea plants clustered beyond the entrance arches, inviting onlookers to come inside and taste the tranquility.
Photo taken June 18, 2011.

Cut hydrangeas freshly exhibiting colors of light green, lavendars, pinks and soft periwinkle tones. Those beautiful blue tones result from adding acid to the soil, thanks to my neighbor Carol. We think hydrangeas are just too pretty to stay outside.  Bring them in for a lovely centerpiece showcasing summer's pastels.

One single hydrangea, holding its own during a summer rainfall in my back yard.  Proudly displaying its beauty, despite the despondency of late afternoon showers.  Photo taken September 14, 2011

"As Summer into Autumn slips
And yet we sooner say
"The Summer" than "the Autumn," lest
We turn the sun away ... "  Emily Dickenson


Summer Hydrangeas ~ Enjoy them every way
1. Fresh Cut - Pick fresh hydrangeas and put them in a vase with water.  They can last for weeks with fresh water and trimmed stems. As the water dissipates, allow the hydrangeas to dry  naturally.  Most of them retain their color whether soft greens, pinks, or blues.

2.  Dry and Dye - Did you know you can dry hydrangeas and DYE them?  Yes, once they are dried and the color is fading, you can use Rit Dye to bring color right back into the dried petals.  Mix boiling water with the Rit dye according to directions. Stir into a large 2 gallon pail or even an ice cream pail.  The secret is to have the water boiling hot, stir, then hold the stems at the top, upside down with flowers at the bottom, dip them completely in the hot dyed water. Submerge, swish around a little bit hold under the water remove, shake dry and allow to air dry on newspapers that have been spread out.  Do this in your laundry tub or somewhere that the dye will not stain other items in your home.

3.  Spray Paint - Yes, you can Spray Paint fresh hydrangeas to get a specific color that you'd like!  Michaels sells a floral spray which works well to fully change the color of white hydrangeas.  My daughter did this for her wedding bouquet.  She actually used one can of floral spray paint and one can of regular.  She wanted a bright pink (but not hot pink) hydrangea for the bouquets. It worked perfectly.  The colors she chose to mix for a were Raspberry floral spray and a Watermelon regular spray paint.  The two blended nicely for a lovely, rich pink that was striking against her white gown and the yellow ruffled bridesmaid dresses.  

For Mother

Mother, often I remember you in prayer
And ask the Lord to keep you in His care,
And especially on your honored day,
I pray that you'll be blessed
With a peaceful heart and
All the things that make you happiest. 
                               Anonymous

Thinking about Mother's Day and reflecting on the role of mothers, thought I'd post a few poems and verses as a tribute to this special person who has influenced us tremendously in our daily lives. 

"Mother"
You painted no Madonnas
On chapel walls in Rome
But with a touch diviner
You lived one in your home.

You wrote no lofty poems
That critics counted art,
But with a nobler vision
You lived them in your heart.

You carved no shapeless marble
To some high soul design.
But with a finer sculpture
You shaped this soul of mine.

You built no great cathedrals
That centuries applaud,
But with a grace exquisite
Your life cathedraled God.

Had I the gift of Raphael
Or Michelangelo,
Oh, what a rare Madonna
My mother's life would show.
             By Thomas W. Fessenden

                                                       
                
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Considerations from Proverbs 31

Who can find a virtuous woman
Her price is far above rubies
   Her husband trusts her
   She treats  him generously
   She shops for the best linens and cottons
   She's like a merchant ship that
          searches for exotic surprises
   Up early preparing food for her family
   Considers property and buys it using
          money to provide for her family
   In the morning, she rises to prepare for
          her day's work
   She is skilled and diligent in homemaking
   She's quick to lend a hand to the needy
   She reaches out to attend the poor ...
Her children respect and bless her
Her husband joins to praise her.

Charm or Favor is misleading
Beauty can fade and can be vain
The woman to be admired and praised is
One who lives in the Fear of the Lord.

                                                             Peonies blooming in June
Open your Bible to read Proverbs 31.  You'll notice that physical beauty is not discussed.  Inner qualities are brought to light in this chapter such as charitable actions toward family and community.  Let us ladies strive to be like the strong Proverbs 31 woman with a light shining through acts of service and a virtuous character inspired by Biblical standards embraced by our hearts.

Renewal - Make Better in Spirit

For, Lo, the winter is past,
The rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth;
The time of singing of birds is come,
And the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
The fig tree putteth forth her green figs
And the vines with the tender grape give a good smell.
Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Daffodil - Early Spring Blooms

Spring is a time of renewal.  This is witnessed as the snow melts away and shoots of green spring up from the garden.  As Solomon witnesses this rebirth of life, he appeals to our senses:  the pleasant sight of the flowers and green figs; the perceived melody of the birds in song with the voice of the turtle (most likely a seasonal bird that returns annually, exactly at the same time);  and the scent of the  vines with tender grapes making their way.  What a beautiful time to be made aware of the loveliness of God's creation, the loveliness of  Spring.

Renew:  1. to make new, as if to begin again; make young, fresh or strong again; bring back into good condition.  2. to
Give new Spiritual Strength; Make better in Spirit.  3.  to cause to exist again; re-establish.  4.  to begin again; take up again; resume.  5.  to go over again; say again; repeat as in renew a promise.  6.  to replace by something new of the same kind; put in a fresh supply.  7. to refill with a fresh supply  8.  to give an extension of as renew a lease


Let's take a look into our own hearts and lives. Ask God for that special awareness of Our Savior, His Love and His Beauty to grant a refreshing of our  soul.  Let this be our prayer:
"Renew a right spirit within me" Psalm 51:10.