Sunday, June 27, 2010

Rediscovering the Garden...

Is it like this for you?... The days fly by, and all of the sudden, it's almost July? For me, it certainly is. My mind has been dizzy with all of the to-do's, decisions on remodeling projects, scheduling this and that, family and friends, my art, and so on. Of course, I want to squeeze it all in and still be able to enjoy a little tranquility here and there. But, I must admit, I am not good at juggling, and some of the things I most cherish have been out of my view. Yesterday, however, I enjoyed a moment of enchantment in between sculpting my art. A black and white flutter caught my eye, and invited me toward the garden. He zipped and darted up and down and then landed right before me with a stillness I rarely know. Luckily, I snapped his photo numerous times and feel fortunate to share it here with you. What an amazing dragonfly, don't you think?....

Black-&-White-dragonfly

The delicacy of his wings, the patterns and the beauty this little creature exhibited certainly had my attention, and I was grateful to experience that moment. Looking up from my camera, a blaze of perennial color in full bloom caught me by surprise and lured me in. Oh, I have been too busy lately, and obviously, my flower garden has been growing without me ~ so much so that I could barely find the foot path!

Garden-walk

Plants were crowding for space, and everywhere I looked was an overflowing surge of color. How could I have missed this until just now? It's only right out my backdoor, but that tunnel vision has been holding me captive I believe....

Garden-seat

Fuzzy Lamb's Ear, rusty-colored clovers, wooly thyme under foot, striped ornamental grasses and tiny yellow flowers atop a lush sea of green baby leaves were certainly inviting, and my rediscovery of the garden was in full force.

Caterpillar

Another critter crossed my path, and I couldn't help but pick him up for a closer inspection to marvel at his beauty....

Garden-colors

The skies were growing dark as rain clouds marched in, but the colors in the garden only intensified.....

Garden-Steps

And soon rain drops began to fall, and it was time for me to take cover back to the workshop. But fortunately, my dragonfly friend reminded me to take joy in the wonders of the garden. I think I will be back......

~ Johanna

13 comments:

susanc said...

Such beautiful critters! We have orange dragonflies here - the black and white is just gorgeous! Thank you for sharing. :)

Nancy Malay said...

You take the most awesome photos, Johanna! Your garden looks lovely, as always.

I'm with you - what happened to May and June?!

Nancy

Michael said...

These are amazing!!! Look at that little dragonfly! I'll have to show you the dragonfly I found dead and preserved. He's gorgeous!!

I love your garden so much! It reminds me of the secret garden!

Have you ever seen the movie the holiday? your house reminds me of a mixture of the secret garden and kate winslet's house in the holiday! I love it!

Johanna Parker said...

Thank you all :)

And yes, Michael ~ I have seen that movie, and Kate had a charming home.... thanks for the compliment!! You're a sweetie....

~ Johanna

Unknown said...

Beautiful garden Johanna and that black and white Dragonfly is stunning! I've never seen one like that before and you're so lucky to have such garden visitors. :-)

Carolee said...

Gorgeous garden photos! I don't think I've ever seen a black and white dragonfly before - he's beautiful!

I think you've both earned some time off in the garden after all that roof repair! Part of our roof came down in the last blizzard and I'm still saving for the deductible, ugh..Old houses - charming, but expensive to maintain!

~ Carolee

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Gorgeous garden pics! That dragonfly is just amazing!!! What a beauty - you captured the perfect shot. And love the woolly, too. Gardens this time of year are just splendid! :) Theresa

HowlingMoonDesigns said...

Just Beautiful Johanna! Weird how we go day to day & not notice things..until one day Nature's beauty just seems to grab us in.

Hugs,
Candy

Donna Pizzi said...

Joanna in wonderland, led by a beatific dragon fly with extraordinary coloring... Thank you for the garden tour and the lovely descriptions too. Now, to read about your remodel!

Johanna Parker said...

Thank you all for your sweet compliments... :)
Glad you are enjoying my garden tour ~ I think it's calling me right now.... must go do a little "bind-weed" control before it's too late!!!

~ Johanna

PEA said...

I have never seen a dragonfly with black and white wings like that. Thank you for sharing this little guy with us.
Your cottage is beautiful and can't wait to see all the new additions and fun you will add.
Yep, where did the time go. when you catch it, please tell us all how.
Pea

chris said...

Beautiful photos!

One of the greatest benefits of gardening is the oasis of nature that a garden provides. A sanctuary from the stresses of modern life.

Course, they're a lot of work, too!

Jorge de Rojas said...

Johanna, thanks so much for sharing your "enchanted garden" with us. Dragonflies are my favorite insect next to lady bugs. I had never seen a black and white one. The ones down here are iridescent and opalescent.
I'd love for you to visit Fairchild Tropical Gardens and take some pictures to see what your eyes would capture. I'm sure you would enjoy it.