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St. Tammany Parish:
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Spring Is In the Air |
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by Anna Ribbeck
A beautiful garden does not necessarily need a green thumb. It takes a love for and an appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us: a feeling for color and composition; an understanding of nature; and a sense of awe and wonder when studying nature’s way of making things beautiful to behold.
I was fortunate enough to have a smart, wonderful, plant-loving grandmother. She was in tune with nature, and sat with me in her garden for many hours, showing and teaching me the values of beauty, serenity and love. All of these treasures were discovered and felt in her garden. We studied the various shapes and textures of leaves, branches and barks, noticing how they intertwined and influenced the landscape’s depth and design—shadows, reflections, winds and raindrops, constantly changing the perfect picture presented!
Color evokes feeling and action, and can draw attention to a dull spot in the garden, or wake up a dreary corner not usually noticeable to a passer-by. Miniature landscapes are presented by using interesting stones covered with succulents and mosses and dwarf plants. Place striking containers and scene-stealing vessels about in groups, using various foliage plants for color and height.
Different plants provoke interesting thoughts. In a cozy seating area, plant sweet olive, which flowers profusely during cool spells and invigorates the sense of smell. Old-fashioned rose gardens also tempt the olfactory system to work overtime. Blooming camellias, blushing clematis, alamedas and mandevilla add a touch of romance to the landscape.
Spring enables us to appreciate the many hues of green. Flowers burst out in an array of color, enhancing our feelings of love, peace and contentment. Drive through a wooded area of dogwood, plum, pear, crab apple and fruit trees surrounded by climbing white and purpose wisteria and pink honeysuckle—a scene of luxurious blossoms and glorious smells.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves, take a deep breath and create your own paradise. Enliven your spirit and thrill your soul with beauty and happy memories. Create such a memory for a friend—share a priceless jewel and its story from your garden.
And don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own happy bouquet!
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Copyright 2006, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved. |
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