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My Patch My Garden – Going Deeper

Another spring day and here I am again in my patch – my garden. I decide to take photos of my shrubs and stay around them for much longer. I feel the warm spring sunshine on my skin as I go about taking photos and writing notes. The first photo I take is of my forest flame. I run my fingers over my forest flame or Little Heath as it is known by. Such a lovely name. Its leaves are red like cherries and very vibrant. I pull back the leaves to reveal the hidden yellow and green leaves under the red ones. There is more to Little Heath than I had realised. The leaf stems are long and a deep, rich red. Its rough leaves remind me of my cat’s tongue. Its bark is rough, thick, and very strong.  It is a joy to have such beauty in my garden. My little piece of nature – my patch.

My rosebush with its strong, rough bark stands tall and strong demanding my attention. Its evergreen leaves shine like emeralds in the sunshine. I notice the perforated edges around each leaf. They are a little prickly to touch. Nature’s way of protecting the leaves. The leaves are smooth on top but rougher at the back and a much lighter green. I can see the veins of the leaves protruding a little. The tiny pink rosebuds remain closed for now waiting for the summer sun to arouse them from their slumber. This rosebush has been pruned many times and each time it comes back stronger. It changes through the seasons as I change through the seasons with it. In fact, everything changes in my patch. Like the cycle of life, new buds, new life, old leaves, and foliage, dying and rebirthing. Time changes my patch and time changes me. It changes all of us. Winter comes and everything lies dormant until the following spring. It makes me appreciate my patch in all of its seasons as it has so much to teach me in every season.

Back to today and the spring. I look at my purple rhododendron. Its deep purple petals like royal robes on a Queen. Its petals are tiny forming a little bunch. Several little bunches make up the whole plant. Tiny delicate stems hold the petals. The stems have a white base. Its leaves are tiny and its buds are tender. Some closed and still sleeping. A light delicate perfume fills my nostrils and I bend down to smell my rhododendron. Its stalks are rougher. It amazes me how rough, sturdy stalks produce such delicate flowers that could easily blow away with a strong gust of wind. Nature is strong and rough at times but also delicate, soft, and beautiful. It speaks to my soul. I need to be strong to face life’s challenges but also compassionate and full of love for others.

I look at my pink rhododendron. It is fading and dying but it will bloom again next year. Today it is a little tired, a little worn out but that is life. Some plants in bloom and some fading. Then there is Joseph’s Coat another shrub in my garden. What a beautiful name like Joseph in the Bible who had a coat of many colours. Most of its coat is made up of deep green and yellow-green leaves. Some of the leaves are a mixture of soft pinks and reds. They form little bunches breaking up the green leaves and bringing much more colour to the plant.

My English Lavendar plant is one of my favorites in my patch. I love the smell of the lavender and often rub my fingers through it. Today is no different. Its smell in my nostrils evokes a sense of peace in my mind. There are no flowers on it yet but I look forward to the summer and seeing the long purple flowers dressed in all their splendor.

There are no blackberries yet on my blackberry bush but I rub the leaves and smell my fingers. I can smell blackberries from the leaves. The smell tantalizes my taste buds. Roll on summer to taste the berries.

My Silver Queen is in full bloom. Its leaves are as soft as velvet. The sort of leaf that one can curl around their fingers. Its edges are a vibrant yellow like the sun and its centre the colour of granny smith apples. Another name is Emerald “n” Gold. A fitting name for such a royal beauty.

My Red Osier Dogwood has also got yellow and green leaves. A yellow outer and a green inner. Its leaves are a little drier and slightly rougher. Its fruit are tiny white berries. Something for the birds to eat. In winter the stems of the dogwood are a deep rich red colour. It has something for every season.

My Common Myrtle has emerald green leaves reminding me of the Emerald Isle I live on. The island of Ireland.

My Crab Apple tree is getting taller. Its petals are soft and baby pink. Deeper pink buds bring a striking contrast. Its scent is light and delicate. There are raindrops on its green leaves making a lovely photo to remember when its bloom has gone.

I close my eyes to shut off my sight and to listen. I hear the sound of a blackbird’s fluty call in the background. Today is a little breezy and I feel the wind on my face and hear a soft hush of wind.

Again, all is well with my patch.