Saved Flowers and Hummingbirds

It has been almost two years since we moved and I am happy to say that there isn’t much that I miss from the old house. It’s a great feeling to know that while we were there we were very happy but that time is over with and I have moved on without any regrets.

I knew however, I would miss some of the plants in my gardens so I brought two of them with me.

One is a Canna that I have wintered over in a pot for years. 

I’m not sure of the exact cultivar. It has amazing leaves full of color and patterns. And the flowers are a bright cheerful orange. I keep it in the pot and put it in the garage every winter since it isn’t winter hardy here. Every couple of years I divide it, keeping some in the pot and planting others in the ground. I got this plant years ago when I worked at a nursery. I’ve always had it grow in the pot outside our garage and I have continued that tradition here. This summer I needed to divide it and I planted four small ones along the side of the house. Needless to say they are very happy here!

The other plant that I knew I would miss is called Lady-In-Red Salvia or Salvia coccinea.

Salvia coccinea

 

The flowers on these delicate annuals are hummingbird magnets. I had them planted just outside of my screened in porch and it was magical to sit in that porch and have hummingbirds come right up to me.

 

I collected some seeds and brought them with me when I moved. Early this spring I started them in pots and when they were big enough I planted them in the ground outside our front porch and in the back by the patio. Then I waited.

Back Garden

Front Garden

You can’t imagine my delight the first time a saw a hummingbird sipping from these flowers. A female ruby-throated hummingbird has been visiting for the last few months and it makes my day whenever I see her.

I discovered that she likes the flowers on the Cannas too so that was a fun surprise.

It may seem silly if you aren’t into plants and gardens but these two plants make me feel settled here and somehow that despite everything, all is right in my little part of the world. That there is beauty and continuity even when so much changes in life.

And if you believe in such things, hummingbirds represent joy. I couldn’t agree more.

Advertisements

My Excuse is Spring

I was on a roll with writing and then spring arrived. With spring comes an energy that I get swept up in. The whole world around me comes to life and I become a part of that.

Even though I have only a tiny piece of this earth to take care of, it takes time and energy. Because this house was new construction I am taking the care of this bit of ground seriously. I feel it’s my job to heal and rebuild my little bit of land.

So I’ve been raking, weeding, mulching and planting. I’m very happy that I planted so many bulbs last fall and am enjoying the crocuses, daffodils and tulips.

I’ve had fun seeing what the anemones would do since I’ve never grown those before. Bulbs are so cheerful in the spring and well worth the effort.

Gardening is also creative. I spend a lot of time trying to decide what to plant and where. It’s fun to think about colors and textures. Gardening is a bit of trying to predict the future; envisioning how plants and flowers will look when they are mature.

There is something about spending time on the ground that is so healing and calming. Stewardship of the land is a two-way street; the land and I take care of each other. Ultimately this is the basis of life here on earth and being able to literally be ‘hands on’ is wonderful.

This post got a little deep, didn’t it?

So back to writing. I have seasons of writing too. Luckily I have a few friends who periodically ask me how my writing is going and that is the gentle nudge I need. Now I am back at it. Thanks to you who keep me going. I appreciate it.

I would write more today but the outdoors is calling!

I hope all of you are enjoying spring or whatever season you are in. Keep creating where ever you are!