Bloom Day and Dads

Most of the time when working in the garden, I feel like a Gardener-Wanna-Be.

I don't know the names of alot of my plants, let alone the Latin names.

Sometimes I don't know if it's a weed or a valuable, rare, treasure. So, I'm kind of embarrassed to participate in Garden Blogger's Bloom Day hosted by my big sister, Carol of May Dreams Garden.

I don't have a green thumb, it's truly brown. BUT, I was blessed with good soil because my Prince Charming and I purchased the family homestead where my father over years and years carefully nurtured the soil and left a legacy of "garden gold." Years ago when this spot was bright and sunny, he planted this Yucca plant (it is a Yucca, isn't it Carol?)

It's ALMOST in bloom. Probably too late for this month, too early for next month's Bloom Day.

The hostas below are also just about ready to bloom.

Most of the time, I see something I like, I plant, and Oh-Well-Let's-Just-Let -It-Do-It's-Thing becomes it's life theme. I know that just makes the "real" gardener's out there cringe inside. I like the natural look where one plant ends and the next begins in unclear margins, all intertwined and kind of messy looking.

I do have a nice herb garden though. Someday when I have the time I want to learn all about the medicinal value of herbs and actually use the herbs rather than just admiring them and wondering what the heck to do with them.

Here's one of my perennials. I have several perennial beds, but I tend to weed it out in May, then just sit back and admire it the rest of the year wishing that the gardening fairies would tidy the bed up a bit when they come out to play at night.

I do know what this vine is called. Honeysuckle.

And if they ever invent smell-a-vision, this would be worthy. The smell is right up there with lilacs in my book. And, I'm pretty sure, almost certain (kinda) that this started life as a stray seedling, blown in by the wind, never weeded, never banished to the compost pile, and finally earned the role of ruler of the fence.

My dad never went for the "wild" look. He would have "sensed" this stray weed and it would never have blossomed to rule the fence. My dad was an organized gardener. Everything symmetrical, neat and tidy, color-coordinated, white 70's rock right in place where it should be. He was a science guy raised on a farm so he knew how to grow 6 foot tall zenias, and the tallest tomato plants in the land. He had a green thumb along with the instinct and knowledge and desire to make a beautiful garden paradise out of our little yard.

Sometimes I wonder if he would be mortified to see his yard now with me at the helm. I wish I would have paid attention to all of his gardening activities when we were growing up. I'm amazed at how much my sister, Carol, learned from him (which I discover from reading her blog). We grew up in the same house at the same time. Why didn't I know that beans or peas or whatever it is should be planted east to west (or is it north to south)? Oh....I know why. I was always hiding somewhere reading a book. I regret that now. It's too late though. I'll have to just glean from my sister and hope that she isn't hiding any family gardening secrets.

On a day like today when the sky is a clear blue, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, the gentle breezes are flowing, and it happens to be Father's Day, it's a good day to look at the garden. Whenever I think of my father I think of the garden - his favorite place to be.

And sometimes when you venture out to the garden just to reminisce and see what is in bloom, you might find a surprise (or two)


And because today is not just Bloom Day but also Father's Day, here's to you Prince Charming. The dad that will go above and beyond to ensure that the Princes and Princesses are happy for ever after.....

We Love You!

Happy Father's Day