THIS MORNING IN THE GARDEN

My living situation changed last October, and I became caretaker of a garden. Even though I live here, this garden is not mine. It was the successive domain of two women who were dear to me, my mother-in-law & step-mother-in-law. I am honored to now be tending it in their memories. My previous yard and garden was a wild place where deer slept, gophers ate just about everything I put in the ground, and at night you could feel things watching you.

Here are some snaps taken this morning. Our cats love it when I'm outside. Even though their new yard is a walled garden, they feel safer in my presence. This is Papillon beneath the rose trellis.

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Last fall I put in sweet peas (I love them dearly) and some English shelling peas, because my father-in-law loves them dearly. You can see the eating peas hanging down through the top of the trellis, ready to be harvested this evening.We won't eat any sweet pea pods as the seeds are poisonous, har.


Here in the bay area you can put the seeds in in the fall. The plants are frost-hardy (although I did tarp them a few times) and the extra time gives their long pea roots a head start. 

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Aagh! Mr. Darcy has rhododendron-head.







Much of the garden did not bloom last year, as if it was in mourning for its previous mistress.

This year, the camellias, azaleas, and geraniums are going all out in celebration of life. I sprinkled some food and spoke to them nicely, but I really can't take credit for this show.

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My current favorite plant-pets are my pair of albutilons. The Victorians kept them as houseplants. Mine wintered next to the sliding glass door and did just fine. They need a lot of nutrients because putting on a brilliant display of hanging paper lanterns takes a good deal of  energy.

This morning's Tarot card was The Queen of Pentacles. Pentacles are symbolic of the earth, wealth, and earthly wisdom. As caretaker and sovereign of this garden, and of my budding writing career, the card fits perfectly.

Have a glorious day! Have fun. Scamper.

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