Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Simply Meandering

Most weeks, my simple pleasure is something that sneaks up on me unawares. Even though I'm on the lookout for it, I don't actually plan it. The surprise is part of the pleasure.  Some weeks, though, are different. Sometimes, you're in such need of simple pleasure that you go in search of one.

This was one such week.

It's hot and miserable around here, and I felt the strong need to color my world with flowers.

Too bad I can't grow them.

It's true.  The same girl who loves poetry but can't compose a poem and loves singing but can't carry a tune... also loves flowers... but has a brown thumb.

Sad, isn't it?

Not to worry, though. I just headed to the local botanical gardens. I grabbed the shiny red Kodak, too.  I thought you might want to come along.



I think you can tell a lot about a woman by the kind of flowers that she likes. Some gals like long stemmed roses. Others love the exotic orchids. Some prefer flowering trees; others have a favorite pick from the garden.

Me? I like a random, quirky, clump.

That's the way I like my gardens, too. No carefully manicured rose gardens for me. I like a meandering mishmash, emphasis on the meandering part. You see, it's not just the flowers that I love. It's the effect they have on my imagination.

That's exactly what I get at our local botanical gardens, 
especially in the summer.


Oh, it starts formal enough, with its brick walks and orderly blossoms...


But eventually, the paths become narrow.  
They turn into a little pergola covered walkway.
It's enchanting.  

Can you see it back there? 



It weaves its way through those flowers until it opens up
with a canopy of  Confederate jasmine.


I have no idea what those spidery white blossoms are.  I rarely stop to read the tags. I'm too busy writing the setting to the great American novel in my head.


The brick path picks up again and leads to this tumbled down fountain It's surrounded by wonderful old outbuildings and a vegetable garden,  but I'll save them for another day.

I'd rather explore.


That's where the brick paths end,
 and the adventure trails begin.
That's my favorite part. 

Eventually, you make your way  
back to the main cottage.  

It sits behind the fence


And beyond the winding path 


beside the secret garden bench 


surrounded by happy flowers


Simply wonderful...

And that's about it for this summer

Come fall, I'll be out there again, ready to make up a whole new story in my head to go along with the fall foliage. But for now, meandering through Mishmash Gardens is this week's simple pleasure.

What about you? What's your flower pleasure?

*****
Sharing with Dayle at A Collection of This and That
Join us for more simple pleasures


54 comments:

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

me too, can't sing either but neither can I write OR grow flowers BUT I can turn on my 'puter and come visit you ! thank you (())

Anonymous said...

I am LOL I LOVE music but I only sing in the car or shower, I love posting on my blog but language is not my strong point, and I used to have a green thumb but through "non use" I now enjoy the work of others with my camera or eyes.
http://everydaylifeblessings.blogspot.com/

Barbara F. said...

That is me, to a T. Debbie, I want gorgeous flowers that bloom throughout the spring, into fall, but I dont enjoy "gardening", too much manual labor, and I don't have a green thumb, either. xo

Lynn said...

Looks like a great way to spend an afternoon Debbie! The flowers are beautiful and I LOVE the brick paths! I'm into old fashioned cutting gardens, love flowers, in the garden and in the vase:@)

Unknown said...

Oh,what beauties you have shared with us. I wish my gardens were this exquisite tho I grow big gardens. Thank you for the wonderful leisurely stroll with you.

TTFN ~
Marydon

Christine said...

What a great way to spend some thought proviking time!

Unknown said...

Well, daffodils are my all time favorite, but I'll take anything blooming! Except Tiger Lilies. They make me sneeze.
It is so green and wonderful in your botanical oasis. Is it still hot and humid in the garden there?
It's beginning to be brown and yellow out here...
xo
lynn

Tami said...

Seems like a lovely time you had. And this post pretty much describes me-I can't write poetry, can't sing at all (but love music and am always listening to it), and I love a mishmash of flowers. My favorites are peonies, but I love all kinds, especially in my garden (if you can call it that-I have a brown thumb as well)I am going to try to plant hydrangeas on the side of my house in the fall though-we'll see how that goes, if at all.
And I think I will visit our local gardens in the fall when the kids are in school just to have a day to take it all in and relax. Seems like a lovely idea.

Maryann said...

My garden is a little bit of this and a little bit of that, my favorites happen to be what ever is in bloom. Right now the cone flowers are putting on a show, along with the sun flowers and black-eyed susan's. The heat is a challenge right now, loved your stroll through the garden

Tanna said...

Debbie, I sure enjoyed that tour from the coolness of my couch! LOL! Oh, those are beautiful gardens. I should know what the name of that white spidery plant is, since I have one in my back yard, but I can't recall it for the life of me! They are stunning! Thank you for braving the heat to bring us this beauty! blessings ~ Tanna

FrouFrouBritches said...

I, too, have a brown thumb. I kill everything! Your garden pictures are GORGEOUS!!!! I like the meandering stuff too. I love the brick pathways with the pretty flowers. So pretty. '

My favorite flowers are Casablanca Lillies. They are so regal and pure white and they smell divine! I just looooove them!

elizabeth said...

I'm garden impaired as well...if money was no object I'd hire a landscape designer and weekly landscape service! I appreciate the beauty, but, oh the joy to have someone else who knows what they're doing do the work! :)

Anyway, re. your comment on my post. Praying right now for you my friend and for whatever is "stretching" you at this time.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Your photos of the gardens are beautiful Debby, and I LOVE your descriptions. I KNEW you were writing the next great American novel! I enjoy poetry too, but can't compose a poem. I think your words on your blog are poetry. At least, they always feel like poetry to me. laurie

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I love your meanderings, they are gorgeous. You have beautiful gardens and paths!

Shug said...

Enjoyed this post Debbie...Love all the beautiful pathways filled with the beauty that God has given us.
I do have a GREEN thumb, but this green thumb of mine
doesn't seem to work very well with all the heat....It is scorching hot here in East Texas....We have been watering the grass and beds morning and night and this still is not enough.... Just have to enjoy your pictures..

Chatty Crone said...

I am not much of a gardener either - but I enjoy so much the beauty of flowers. I heard someone say they were eye candy - I think that is so cool to think that way - and there are no calories. You have a nice botanical garden there.

Amy Kinser said...

My favorite flowers are probably white tulips. I also love lavender tremendously. Is that a flower or an herb? Maybe an herb with a flower.

Roses are gorgeous but just not a favorite of mine.

Enjoying touring with you.

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Hey friend,
Sorry my presence has been scarce lately--some long stories going on here BUT I am so glad you went searching for a simple pleasure cause you sure brought one to me. It is unbearably hot here and looking through your photos just had a cooling, calming effect on me--simply beautiful, beautiful friend--

Ms.Daisy said...

Debbie,
There is nothing I would like so much as to be able to meander with you through that lovely botanical garden. That white spidery flower is gorgeous but I couldn't tell you the name of it either - just like looking at it. Your pictures make me want to go around just one more corner and see what is there...


~Jean

Jedbel @ The Pear Tree Cottage said...

How beautiful! I love the secret garden bench. I must admit I have a brown thumb too so walking through the botanical gardens with you was a
treat :).

Renée said...

I love any kind of garden, beautifully pruned or more on the wild side, as long as there are lots of birds. Your botanical garden is so delightful...love the Shasta Daisies.

I fell in love with window boxes filled with Ivy Geraniums all over Europe when we traveled there each summer. I grow them in hanging pots on my porches, front and back. In the Fall I will cut them back, mulch them and put them in an inside wall of my garage. In the Spring I start watering them again, feed them every two weeks, pinch them a little and tell them how lovely they are and they love me.

Surely in humid, hot Georgia, they would thrive. You could grow them, I know you could...just water!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

First I loved when you said "The same girl who loves poetry but can't compose a poem and loves singing but can't carry a tune... also loves flowers... but has a brown thumb." This had me laughing but then I looked at your pics and they had me smiling. Stay cool out there.....

no spring chicken said...

I'm with ya sista! I love every bit of it, but the very best is the part the requires the least maintenance and leaves you walking dreamlike... preferably alone. And of course if you stop to read the labels you just woke yourself up and that is not what it's all about anyway!

Blessings, Debbie

Crickit said...

What beautiful pictures! Thanks for taking us on a stroll with you through these beautiful gardens!

Hope rain comes your way soon!!

Kay K said...

I too am much like you cant sing, cant write, but I can do the flowers and I love a variety in my flowers as I have roses, day lillies, monkey grass, Shasta dasiy , etc, etc ... as you can see I am as you say a mishmash....thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures ..I just bet you sit down on the bench for awhile to enjoy the beauty !!! ~~Soak it all in ~~~

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh thank you for taking me on your walk through these beautiful gardens....it is just toooooooooooooo hot here to even get out..yesterday it hit over 103!
I love all flowers...no favorites.
Now I am waiting on that novel of yours...put me on the list for a copy...go girl! do it, it is that season of your life.

Denise said...

I sure enjoyed the stroll with you through the botanical gardens.I do so love any type of garden as long as there's a lot of flowers. My favorite is a pink rose, but I truly love them all. My green thumb is having a VERY hard time with any flowers this year because of this drought. Even my lantana (extremely drought resistant) is barely blooming. Sigh.

Loved this simple pleasure. And, I'm waiting on the novel, too.

Kathleen said...

At this time of year I love the poppies, petunias, nasturtiums and busy lizzies. Cottage garden flowers. I would love a cottage garden. Your pictures are great thanks for taking us with you along your walk.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Debbie, I'm a gal who loves, loves, must have flowers! This year has been trying, with all of the heat, but I still made an effort. What a lovely garden to meander through. We have a botanical garden not far from my house. It's one of my favorite simple pleasures, roaming through the little paths and seeing the beauty. And it's free. Can't be that!

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

So glad you had some "away and quiet" time. Why am I not surprised that you're a meanderer? I love all sorts of flowers ... and brick pathways ... and COOL shady spots. I'm so glad my sweetie has a green thumb because I don't, but I do enjoy helping plan the gardens. That lets the designer in me play with colors and textures -- and the wimp in me avoid the heat! Think cool, Debbie! Fall's a-comin'!

Trish said...

Debbie, that's my kind of garden too!
I love romantic gardens that are a bit on the 'wild side'.
The buildings also look intriguing in your pics.
As for poetry..I seem to recall you writng some not too long ago. You just don't appreciate your own talent :-)
I really enjoyed walking with you today - beautiful photos!
blessings..Trish

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I love meandering with you on these pages. Write a book! It will sell. I promise!! :)

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I can see myself sitting right on that secret garden bench. Gorgeous flowers!

Carol

Poetic Soul said...

Can't sing to save my life, but it took me 20 years to finally believe when people pointed it out, being kicked out of the school choir shouldve been my first clue but no.... I love your pictureseve when people pointed it out, being kicked out of the school choir shouldve been my first clue but no.... I love your pictures

Anonymous said...

Mishmash! Let's hear it for mishmash! Lots of pretty flowers and different textures tumbling over each other and thickly massed together in a lovely jumble!
That's what I like, too!

Marlis said...

My flower pleasure is coming to blogs like your and seeing the beautiful photos you took with care and posted with hope. I love a very laid back garden, nothing fancy for me. And I'm still trying to find something I can grow successfully! Many blessings,thanks for dropping in. Marlis

Kelli said...

Would have loved to meander with you!! Flowers are my heart but I tend to abuse them! Love 'em all!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

I'm pleased you took your camera. I lovely place to meander with a camera and not have to think about watering or weeding!

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

I LOVE these botanical gardens. I wish we had something like this in our town. I guess the closest would be Greensboro, and that would give me another excuse to visit our son :) I like a combination of orderly and random gardens. I do love the symmetry of well- ordered gardens, but I don't like anything terribly formal. Then the garden loses its warmth, in my opinion. I love the brick walkway in your botanical gardens! I like roses, but only have the one rosebush. I probably love best the English cottage gardens; they really make my heart sing. I'm so glad you shared these pictures.

Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving the kind comments on my Fourth of July post. I really had fun putting that table together. I also love the small pottery candlestick -- was so glad to spot it in an antique store several years ago.

Have a great weekend!

Hugs,

Denise

A Perfect Setting said...

Well, I think you have a way with words, and also photography! The shots of the flowers are beautiful, they definitely make the imagination soar! Thanks for sharing your fun visit, and also for visiting with me. I appreciate your kind comments.

Angel said...

I too enjoy the "mishmash" - an assortment of flowery wonder. Thank you for the lovely garden tour. I enjoyed meandering with you. :) And, by the way, your comment on my vacation post made me smile. It really made my day to know the Duchess was pleased as well. Blessings!

Canadagirl said...

Wow, what a treat this post was to read. I needed some beauty today. It is grey and wet up here so colour is MOST welcome today. Thank you !

Blessings and ((HUGS))!
-Mary

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Morning Debbie.
Love your new blog header, so pretty!!

Also thanks for coming by and for your kind comments about our wedding situation. The last part of the week has been much better than the first, we are certainly feeling and experiencing the prayers of God's people. The Lord has really been moving in a big way this week, and we are excitedly moving forward. This has truly been a good thing, and there has been much discussion going on all week.......between us
and our daughter and she and her fiancee, and
their counselor. So it is all good, just hard
as they were so eager and looking forward to starting their new life together, but this is only going to make it better when it does happen, and we do feel it will happen, but they
were smart to get things taken care of now that could be potentially bad problems later on.

So enjoyed your tour of the botanical gardens,
I just love the beautiful outdoors of places like that..........such fun and beauty and relaxation and delight!
Thanks for sharing it with us,
Blessings, Nellie

Ginger said...

Love mishmash gardens! Give me a wild tumble of a garden any day! Favorites: daffodils, hydrangeas, Queen Anne's Lace, and zinnias--which apparently are dessert for deer.

Red Couch Recipes said...

I really need to find some simple pleasures. I have been busy packing and then cleaning this summer and a simple pelasure for me has been to clean up-- I seriously need a life. Your botanical garden looks like such a quiet and peaceful place to reflect or write the great American novel. Joni

Decor To Adore said...

Oh what a path to Heaven! I adore seeing all the flowers. Most of mine have died in this 113 heat.

bj said...

How pretty. I love cutting gardens. If I have some blooming, I love to bring them in the house.

Yep, 2 big ice cream memes going on today and tomorrow so you WILL see a lot of ice cream. :))

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

I love strolling through botanical gardens - I always get such great ideas there. Enjoyed the pictures.

We must be long lost sisters or something:) Really, The Long Winter is your favorite AND you actually make Haymaker's Punch!!! My husband loves it btw. He wants me to have some in the fridge at all times. Good to know it's good for sore throats (several people mentioned that).

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
I love your world of color with all the Beautiful flowers !!! You take some great pictures swwet lady. Im one of your old follower on your lovely Blog Debbie. Maybe you can come see me it's been a long time. I hope you have a Great Weekend with your lovely family. XXOO Diane

Anonymous said...

Beautiful gardens, Deb. Thanks for taking us along on you meandering adventure. You'd like my garden then - not much of a plan - kjust tossed some wildflower seed and it's a surprise everyday to see what's popping up! We live about an hour away from Long wood Gardens - and my neighbor's garden is fantastical if I'm looking for formal and planned. So long as I have something growing - and not wilting away - it's a simple pleasure!
Joy!
Kathy

Barbara Neubeck said...

Hi Debbie,
I like your Botanical Gardens. The more formal beginning slowly (d)evolving into rambling and clumpy,secret seats and wonderful covered pergola make the flowers more beautiful..
My favourite flower is the Violet..
God Bless
Barb from Australia

Poetic Soul said...

Maybe you do have a brown thumb but when it comes to photography you're a true artist.. I love these flower shots

xinex said...

This graden is truly enchanting. I am imagining fairies dancing around....Christine

Sharon said...

I was so blessed by this walk in the garden. Such peace washed over me! The colors, the textures, the smells - only God could be so creative.

My flower pleasure? Hmm... I have always liked carnations more than roses in my bouquets. Don't know why - I just do. My husband likes daisies, so that's what I had in my wedding bouquet and in my hair when we got married. And, I've always loved the brazen cheerfulness of sunflowers. They just seem to shout to me, "I'm here. And I'm HAPPY!"

Sigh...I think I'm going to go sit outside today...

GOD BLESS!

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