Catalogs

Catalogs

Every December temptation arrives

when Burpee's, Gurney's, Garden's Alive,

Jung Seeds and Henry Fields fill my mailbox.

Each year my mailbox is stuffed with lots.

There's Brecks, Dutch Gardens,

Parks Seeds, Roots & Rhizomes,

van Bourgondien, Bluestone Perennials,

Oakes Daylilies – my favorite of all.

This year there was also a Shumway's, a Thompson & Morgan,

a Pinetree Garden Seeds and a Totally Tomatoes.

But because it's December filled with festivities

there isn't a minute to look at flower nurseries.

My dream of purple bearded iris interspersed with orange poppies,

of an oak leaf hydrangea - which would make me very happy,

of walla walla sweet onions and more asparagus

will have to wait until after Christmas is over, I guess.

Today's the day!

Hooray! Hooray!

I want, I want, I want...

each heartbeat seems to pant.

Today as I take time to look,

each catalog becomes a wish book

and in each wish

there's a promise.

A promise that spring will come

after the cold snow is gone.

A promise that life will go on

as each plant matures and blossoms.

I dream of what my garden could look like

if I were to buy whatever I like.

As that's not possible the dream will continue

for many years as I add more plants to view.

In my mind I limit myself to one item on each page

which I'm sure would add up to more than a yearly wage.

Though the temptation is great

I've learned I'll have to wait.

Because a lesson I have learned

that quite often for what I've yearned

is shared when someone gives to me

making a lovely memory.

When all is looked at today

I've ordered vegetables for May

and some helpful organic insecticides

for in organic gardens insects abide.

My dream still lives of a sanctuary,

without weeds - which are quite contrary,

where my Eden would grow weedless turf,

where every plant is picture perfect.

Dreams keep ones hopes alive

for don't we often strive

for perfection

in our garden.

* * * * *

Life will never be perfect,

as no one is perfect.

If not for God's unfailing faithfulness

we'd all give up under daily stress.

Focus on God and His faithfulness

versus on your personal mess.

You'll find you'll have much less stress

when in the Lord you find rest.

O Lord, you are my God;

I will exalt you and praise your name,

for in perfect faithfulness

you have done marvelous things,

things planned long ago.

Isaiah 25:1

You have been a refuge for the poor,

a refuge for the needy in his distress,

a shelter from the storms

and a shade from the heat.

Isaiah 25:4

Thank you, everyone, who took time to read this story.
Should you need a gift for a gardening friend,
Life Is a Garden Party is available as follows:

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol III

is available via CreateSpace.

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

is available via WestBow Press.

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

is available via Amazon.