Pamela Phipps

It is the 5th of April and we are all craving color and warmth.  The warmth is coming ever so slowly, it seems.  I know soon it will burst forth and we will “feel” like it is spring!

Here on Cape Cod, while it is still quite cool and raw, we are even hesitant to plant pansies.  I had thought I would be posting about them.  But not today.  So as I looked around my property what I see that gives me such joy and for such a long time is a grouping of heaths and heathers.

Now filling out and getting almost crowded, I so enjoy their brightness. And– I grew that!  I made those decisions one day years ago and have continued to be glad for that.

And You Can Grow That, too.

Think heaths and heathers for sustainable joy for many years to come. Mix them up in a jumble of colors and just wait.  They’ll brighten your mood on the dreariest of days.

I was able to enjoy a week away recently, joining a club trip to ski in Colorado. Being one who always appreciates gardening in all forms, I took this picture at a parking lot in Vail. What a pleasant grouping of evergreens. Don’t you agree that this planting  added much to this concrete edifice?   

And I noticed in several bathrooms throughout the airport small but refreshing bouquets of cut flowers.   I was impressed and nourished.

When I had left a week ago I had some concern that my amaryllis would bloom while I was away.  What a nice surprise to see they had waited for me! And I also noticed the leaning towards the light.  Hmmmm—like me.  Leaning towards the light. 

I compare it to the odd reality of skiing.  It seems unnatural when learning to ski properly that one has to LEAN FORWARD and down the hill.  It is a natural consequence when engulfed in fear to hesitate and lean backwards.

So my post this month is a celebration of finding the joy of nature and gardening wherever you are.  And reminding myself and the reader to remember to lean towards the light!

Birds are still enjoying today.

Viburnum ‘Brandywine’ is just one of many berried shrubs which provide winter food for visiting birds.  And

“Lush display of showy berries transform from green to vivid shades of pink and blue. Birds love to feast on the fruit of this Viburnum. Rich deep red fall foliage gives this easy to grow shrub three season interest. Berries may even persist into winter.”   Bluestone Perennials

This is a Coral Bark Japanese Maple up close.  You know my cell phone does not do it justice.

And here she is in her full glory.  Seems our colors are holding longer this year and I am very thankful for this.