I've had it mind for a good while to post a photo of the view from my hammock, which you can see below right (click on it to enlarge). My hammock is tied to the chestnut tree that resides in a corner of my garden and the view from it is comprised of the beautiful leaves of that tree that make up the canopy as you sway and stare sweetly upward. Although I rarely indulge myself by lying in that hammock, it's important that it is there, inviting me to remember the lightness of being that I have when I take the time to visit that corner. More often than not I stand hesitatingly on the deck, considering whether I "have the time" to spend 15 minutes in contemplation and relaxation swaying in the breeze and finally I turn regretfully away. The time for swaying in hammocks is drawing to a close for this year, but I intend to grab 15 minutes very soon before I have to take down the hammock and put it away until spring.
Today is the first fall-like day after that horrible heat wave of last week and it brings relief because I can spend time outside without dropping of heat exhaustion; but it also gives me a pang knowing the garden is going to be dying back soon and the growing season will be over. Before that happens though, there are all the fall chores to do: cutting back all the dead foliage, raking leaves to save for the composter, taking in the birdbath and other garden ornaments, putting away the hammock, drying some of the herbs that
will not go to waste (for once!), putting away the hoses, etc, etc. But let's not despair because it's only September 5th and there is still plenty of time before the first frost for beauty to continue its reign in the garden.
Yep, I just returned from the country where the winds had blown the first leaves across my lawn and the the late blooming plants were putting on their last big show of the season. I wish I had thought to take a picture from my living room where, looking out on Mount Sutton, I could have captured that moment where green begins to give way to reds and golds. You can't really see it yet, but the lushness has gone and the air is filled with anticipation. Hard to believe that the temperatures fell literally by half in just two short days.
ReplyDeleteI was so relieved last night when the temperature dropped. As much as I love the warm weather, I can't stand the heat!
ReplyDeleteSorry Vivian. Here is where I should post my gardening comments. I sure hope the new garden takes well before the frost. I planted more than 100 flowers. The bunnies love the garden. Especially the Asiatic lilies. They eat them one at a time. Tomorrow I will have to work at protecting them.
ReplyDeleteHaving a garden closer to wildlife obviously presents a whole new set of problems! The only thing we city-folks have to worry about is a few squirrels digging up our bulbs. I'm sure that most of your flowers will be fine, just make sure you water them conscientiously between now and the first frost. They will thank you for it! It's too bad about the lilies. I know what I would probably do: I'd search the internet for flowers that bunnies avoid like the plague and only plant those! Not very helpful, I know...
ReplyDeleteHow about an old fashioned Scarecrow??
Thanks for posting, Cliff!
I am afraid that if I had a hammock, I would never get out of it to do any gardening. The recent heat wave didn't do any of my plants any good. Just happy our long-suffering Manitoba maple didn't lose a branch during the windy Labour Day weekend. Quebec gardeners have to accept a fair share of heartbreak, I guess.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I have a pretty philosophical view of things: if a plant can't handle the level of neglect I subject them to and the weather we have no control over, I let it go without much of a qualm and move on to more robust specimens.
ReplyDeleteOf course that is a great idea. I'm beginning to feel like Captain Kangaroo! As far as the watering is concerned, thank goodness for all the rain we're having.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Cliff! So glad you like it.
ReplyDelete