words cross centuries

11 Thursday May 2017

Posted by home, garden, life in environment, garden, garden meditation, home, life, Lifestyle, Poetry, spring, sustainable lifestyle

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garden, home, inspiration, life, poetry

“I never had any other desire so strong, and so like to covetousness, as that one which I have had always, that I might be master at last of a small house and a large garden.”

– Abraham Cowley, 1618-1667, English poet

walking meditation

10 Wednesday Dec 2014

Posted by home, garden, life in garden, garden meditation, home, life, stroll, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia, walking meditation, winter, Zen

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garden, matcha, Virginia, walking meditation, winter, Zen

As I stepped out my door this morning, there overhead were three perfect Canada geese, flying in pattern — close enough to hear the friction of their feathers, their breath, their rhythm — the shine of their last water, shimmering on their underbellies.

I realized no separate self when the geese appeared.

This is Zen!

May’s DIY project ~ the big dig!

08 Thursday May 2014

Posted by home, garden, life in Back Yard Birds, DIY projects, environment, garden meditation, home ownership, landscape design, Spring Chores, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia, wild birds

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Albemarle County, back yard birds, Central Virginia, DIY project, garden, home, landscape design, life, nature, sustainable living

Uncanny, how vistas change in a wee season and projects present themselves abruptly.

This month, the wild bird bath waved its copper flag at me from across the turf…hey lady, this shrub is toast and I need a makeover. How about it, NOW!

Ok, I concurred. This winter was very hard on a few residents of my landscape, and this small feature became an eyesore overnight.

my little ugly duckling in full view from the rear terrace ~ winky-wonk copper bird bath…

the original circle was topped with pea gravel and river rock, and this holly was a volunteer.

the original circle was topped with pea gravel and river rock, and the holly was a volunteer, seeded by a fly over wild bird

I can do this! One small shrub cannot be that hard to remove…ha!

after the holly was cut off, I raked the largest stones into the wheel barrow and reused the pile in the lower garden

after the holly was sawed off, I raked the largest stones into the wheelbarrow and reused the pile in the lower garden

once the deck was clear, I pondered on the stump...it could not remain, as the bird bath needed centering, or so I thought...

once the deck was clear of most stones, I pondered on the stump…it could not remain, as the bird bath needed centering, or so I thought…

on both knees, I began to chop, chop, chop with my little Swedish hatchet

as moments passed, I realized this “small” root was not. The bin began to fill and numerous trips were made to the shed for additional tools…as I hacked, forked, and picked at tough roots, thoughts of the great pyramids and the tedious excavation of Pompeii trickled through my brain, keeping me on task. I can do this!

This bugger took ages to excavate. I considered calling my digging man, yet this simple DIY and moi wanted this to be completed in ONE morning!

This bugger took ages to excavate; close to an hour. I considered calling my digging man, yet this simple DIY lured me to finish in ONE morning!

I pushed on and somewhat leveled the rich soil. Paver sand was in the shed from another project, and I hope the effort makes a difference. The old aggregate step stone has served me well and once leveled, I discovered a 1994 quarter. Not a coveted arrowhead sometimes found in these parts…drat!

1994 quarter-dollar. When I carried it to the shed, it slipped from my gloved hand and is now lost again somewhere in the shed. Guess that coin enjoys being lost…

after a trip to town, twenty pavers completed the circle and mulch top dressed the project. I swear the bird bath is centered…hmm.

This is certainly an improved look, don’t you think? While I contemplate what plant material should go around the bird bath I will heal my wounded self. I admit my body ached from head to toe for two days following this DIY, and I am rapidly succumbing to future assistance from hired labor. No pain, no gain?

You go girl, cooed the garden ornaments…

The following week I added three plants around the stepping-stones…

those tiny plants are Munstead lavender, in honor of Gertrude Jekyll ~ an easy start to a great plant, if they are happy here. Time will tell.

this is the bed in May 2015. Munstead is doing very well, despite the very cold winter.

Check out my other DIY project at https://dianelasauce.wordpress.com/2011/09/08/the-thing-about-renewal/

a very special place

24 Sunday Nov 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in blessings, environment, garden meditation, Lifestyle, Virginia

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501(c)(3), crystals, focused consciousness, Robert A. Monroe, The Gateway Voyage, The Monroe Institute, Virginia

South of town, tucked back off the main road, resides a very special place.

The Monroe Institute® was founded by Robert A. Monroe in 1979 following years of research, experimental seminars, and exploration regarding the very nature of human consciousness.

The Nancy Penn Center at The Monroe Institute’s permanent facility in the Blue Ridge Mountains

a guest spends time with a large rose quartz crystal at The Nancy Penn Center

moi standing in front of a many-ton rose crystal quartz imported from England

moi standing in front of a many-ton rose crystal quartz imported from Brazil. This one is up at Robert’s Retreat.

the Institute’s logo weathervane at Robert’s Retreat

detail of Robert’s Retreat

a rooftop crystal at Robert’s Retreat

another crystal view

and another

The mission of this Institute is dedicated to furthering the exploration of consciousness, expanded awareness, and discovery of self. Seminars are held at this place and at several locations around the world. Week-long, weekend, and one-day programs are offered by trained facilitators.

Fortunate to stumble upon a mini, one-day program, I attended two weeks ago. Visiting with an open mind I discovered new approaches to ways of thinking through the realization that we are more than our physical bodies.

IF this topic speaks to you, I suggest contacting the Institute at www.monroeinstitute.org or email at info@monroeinstitute.org

Robert Monroe’s work is also documented in three publications:
Journeys Out of the Body (Doubleday, 1971)
Far Journeys (Doubleday, 1985)
Ultimate Journey (Doubleday, 1994)

on the way down the mountain, I could not resist capturing another landscape

one handsome barn

and its neighbor

strolling with Thomas Jefferson ~ his Grounds at the University

14 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in garden, garden meditation, landscape design, Lifestyle, photography, season, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia

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Albemarle County, Charlottesville, fall, fall garden, Fralin Museum, Grounds at the University, landscape design, photography, the University, Thomas Jefferson, University of Virginia, Virginia

Although I have resided near Monticello and UVA on-and-off for more than thirty years, I never took the time to stroll with Mr. Jefferson on his Grounds at the University of Virginia—until yesterday. Even though a slight drizzle was about, the light was simply divine for photography, and my time had come.

Fortunate to find parking near Grounds this holiday weekend, I first visited the Ansel Adams exhibition at the Fralin Museum, then took off towards the majestic landscape and buildings known as “an Academical Village.”

Fall color arrives near Grounds

The University of Virginia was originally founded in 1819. Construction began in 1822.

the University ~ on the UNESCO list

paths to knowledge

The Rotunda is the focal point of the Academical Village and is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The Village is comprised of ten faculty pavilions; the Pavilion Gardens; student rooms along both sides of the East and West Ranges; and six Hotels which served as dining halls. These buildings continue to be used as Jefferson intended.

The designer himself ~ Thomas Jefferson ~ “father of the University”

classic details prevail

flanking the lawn

inside the Rotunda, the former library housing a collection of books initially selected by Jefferson himself.

inside the Rotunda, the former library housed a collection of books initially selected by Jefferson himself.

a unique detail ~ a fireplace built mid-way up the staircase

Jefferson’s favorite view of the South Lawn through the portico’s double inside glass doors. He visited here one last time only days before this death.

magnificent restored stair rail system

Cleverly placed bookcases in the Dome Room disappear behind the room’s columns when viewed from the center of the room

The oculus is the Dome Room’s crown.

seating in the center of the Dome Room.

The life-sized statue of Jefferson overlooks the entrance to Grounds

another view of the complex staircase leading to the Dome Room. The restoration took four months to complete.

The East Oval Room, originally a lecture hall, is now the meeting chamber of the governing body, the Board of Visitors.

Map engravings from the 1800's hand in the North Oval Room.

map engravings from the 1800’s hang in the North Oval Room.

Mantel décor in the North Oval Room.

close up of mantel clock

oval rooms were fitted with oval tables

pine doors are given their inlaid mahogany appearance by a painting process called “graining.” This was a very popular technique used during the 19th century. Inexpensive, local woods could be used, sidestepping the costs of imported versions.

another detail of pine wood “graining.”

just outside, one of many couples just married on Grounds.

just outside the Rotunda’s doors stands one of many couples recently married on Grounds.

two small ovens were discovered during the 1970’s restoration of the Rotunda. This confirms that the Lower East Oval Room was the site of early chemistry classes.

another classroom at recess

Ground floor detail of Rotunda

heated debate topic published on the cover of the Cavalier Daily ~ the paper of the University

one of the Hotels along the Lawn

building details

classic architectural details abound

student rooms along the Lawn. Edgar Allen Poe resided in one.

serenity abounds and details please the eye

notice the structural landing between floors

easily transported back in time, these Grounds convey the past

classic fretwork under overhang

another brick pathway joins the Grounds

serpentine walls undulate often around Grounds

and again

quiet outdoor spaces abound for student enrichment

a well-defined garden found within another walled space

the privies on Grounds. Daresay, I did not open a door.

simple adoration for these walls

hyacinth bean climbs historic walls at the University

gates are another delightful garden feature on Grounds

my eyes never tire of gates

rear view of privies

the real ball and chain ~ simple yet oh so functional

symmetry in action supports perspective

intersecting paths lead thousands to higher knowledge

We must not forget that without the hundreds of laborers, both free and enslaved, neither Monticello nor the University would exist.
To all those unnamed, you are not forgotten.

~ another reason to share the garden

01 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in blessings, color, environment, garden, garden meditation, home, life, Lifestyle, Monarch butterflies, photography, renewal, season, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia

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Charlottesville, fall blooming plants, garden highlights, harvest season, Virginia

The following images came from willing yet fleeting creatures who visited my garden yesterday. Kindly view on a large screen for full effect…

slightly tattered Monarch during migration. So glad it found my garden for rest and nectar while on its journey. Monarchs are in dramatic decline.

another Monarch during migration. So nice to share my afternoon with numerous survivors.

Quite a show today–the last day of September. Pineapple Sage, an annual, has earned a place in all my future gardens…

My first attempt at photographing hummingbirds. They were perfectly poised.

Not sure of the botanic name, yet we call this stunner Naked Lady here in Virginia.

Belladonna amaryllis, yet we call this stunner Naked Lady here in Virginia.

Late summer show stopper ~ hyacinth bean.

Oh so fragrant tuber rose. a newbie to my garden this year. Why did it take so long to discover?

Oh so fragrant tuberose. A newbie to my garden this year. Why did it take so long to discover?

Queen Ann’s Lace. A must for my garden. Have I recited its poem?

Have this in your garden? Seeds given to me twelve years ago. Common name Poinsettia Plant.

Loaded with fall berries ~ pyracantha, a real sticker as the genus belongs to the Rose Family, yet showy and berries are bird food.

Sedum family ~ a low succulent plant that I consider bullet proof. A joy in the garden.

My sexy grape tomatoes continue to produce from its little burlap pot tethered to the raised bed arbor.

The smaller the pepper, the hotter. This bird’s eye will make you weep!

A bowl of concord grape sorbet floating in a pool of heavy cream. Grapes from my garden and oh so yummy! The tile is from a local estate sale.

When I spotted this in a local consignment shop, I had to have it. Turns out it came out of a Charleston garden and is 25 years old. Not sure where it will finally end up in my garden.

Another detail of my new garden ornament.

The only pink that I tolerate in my gardens. Muhly grass, a real show stopper during late afternoon, covered in dew or frost. An easy keeper too.

The only pink that I tolerate in my gardens. Muhly grass, a real show stopper during late afternoon, or early morning covered in dew or frost. An easy keeper too.

Nearby vista of central Virginia farmland. Notice the speck of gliding hawk in the distance.

Nearby vista of central Virginia farmland. Notice the specks of gliding hawks in the distance.

a telling proverb

As summer glides into fall, my heart fills with gratitude for another year in my gardens. Blessed with much rain and bounty, the gardens thrived and most tasks mildly challenging. I added a few specimens, and continue to edit the landscape.
Fall is the time of year when this gardener has time to sit a spell, reflect, and adore the dazzling colors in weeks to come.
I wish you a splendid harvest and hope that you take time to enjoy this precious event.

p allen smith’s petit masterpiece

19 Sunday May 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Arkansas, environment, garden meditation, landscape design, Lifestyle, P Allen Smith, renewal

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Arkansas, Arkansas Govenor's Mansion, Arkansas Govenor's Mansion gardens, city space, community, first lady of Arkansas, intimate spaces, landscape design, P Allen Smith, P Allen Smith genius, quiet elegance, silk purse, The Original City Garden Home

Ever heard the expression, make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear?
During P Allen Smith’s G2B13 event this month, attendees were invited to stroll Allen’s original garden home gardens—his city home—a former derelict structure.
Allen purchased this “fixer-upper” for one dollar then relocated to its current location.
There are photos on Allen’s Facebook page showing this sad structure when it was slated for demolition. Indeed, only a person with broad vision could see its potential.
The following images convey the simple, yet quiet elegance created within this city space. Please enjoy.

Enter the original city home of P Allen Smith

Enter the original city home gardens of P Allen Smith

Allen explains the history of this renovation

Allen simplifies the complex nature of this home’s phoenix

here begins the lush presentation

intimate spaces or garden rooms

oh the boxwood

raised bed area ~ complex planning within such a small space

quiet vista in this early spring garden

potting shed

it’s all in the details

Allen manages a small greenhouse on this property

garden path guides the visitor

finishing touches

a place to ponder

Enjoy Allen’s design concept in his own words at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1surUk0qRWg

Not far away, another of Allen’s masterpieces awaited on a slightly larger scale—the Arkansas governor’s mansion gardens

State Seal of Arkansas

The first lady of Arkansas welcomes G2B13 garden bloggers and sings praises of Allen’s contribution to the mansion’s grounds

classic pyramidal structures like this obelisk add architectural interest

stately pergola detail

detail of mansion’s rear addition

transition into the gardens

waves of roses and boxwood ~ a classic combination

Allen and the resident German Shepard greet again

impressive vegetable gardens at the mansion

Allen’s signature garden details

impressive composting going on behind the scenes at the Arkansas governor’s mansion

Throughout this city tour, I was continuously reminded how Allen is a problem solver and an artist. Often these two abilities escape the same individual.
Whether the challenge is a modest residential city lot or a grand swath of landscape, Allen’s ability to perceive the entire project’s scope, deal with endless details, while transporting human scale and unending beauty, is inspiring if not downright genius.

another snow

24 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Back Yard Birds, environment, garden meditation, Hiaku, nature, photography, Poetry, spring, Virginia

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Haiku, heavy heaven, mourning doves, snow daze, snow peas, spring, Virginia

mourning doves hunker down

as night falls

will peas forgive this?
cypress leaning to the ground
heavy heaven sent

hinoki matted down

the sundial sleeps

she’s gone about as far as she can go

22 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in environment, garden, garden meditation, healthy food, landscape design, nature, photography, quick meals, season, sustainable lifestyle, winter

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crepe myrtles, daily life, environment, gardening as a meditation, in the winter garden, nature, pruning, sustainability, winter chores

winter landscape

I admit it, when daytime temperatures are in the 30’s F, I tend to dawdle inside the house. I wash things with detail—

restore the fluff of those lamb warmers

take cozy late morning naps on the loveseat—
then create wholesome hot lunches—

local eggs

easy over

then force myself into a warm down work jacket, wool cap, heavy jeans, and Bean boots. Once outdoors, with pruning tools in hand,

former bonsai pruning tool

I begin by observing branches of either crepe myrtles or dogwood that often require annual surgery.
Winter is the perfect time to observe the skeleton or bones of the garden. Deciduous plants, shrubs, and trees reveal both strengths and weakness, permitting the astute gardener a chance to alter branches and crown before the end of dormancy.
Late yesterday afternoon I climbed to the top rung of my ladder to reach numerous myrtle branches that needed editing. Regrettably, I must find a taller ladder to finish that task, so today I approached the lone dogwood.

lone dogwood in need of thinning

burn barrel with back log of pruned material

With a light hand—almost a meditative process for me—the dogwood succumbed to its procedure and is now rid of dead, damaged, touching branches. Alas, I can only reach one-third of the way up the crown, yet when I locate that ladder or person with a ladder, both myrtles and dogwood will be in great shape for the upcoming growing season.

winter interest in the garden

favorite winter companion

promise of spring

Tomorrow is Saturday and the weather forecast is for rain and sleet.
I am so tempted to bring the old bird-cage indoors to apply the rusty metal primer, yet the warning label forbids this type of application. I must await 50 degree F mercury to proceed with my projects.
I have gone about as far as I can go…