Deadheading

 

Deadheading

Last night was chilly and cold.

This morning Jack Frost's handiwork seen bestowed.

He left much work to be towed.

Today deadheading what's brown and old.

Hostas, peonies, cone flowers, day lilies, their foliage now black gold

are cut and put in the wheelbarrow until there's a heaping load.

Off to the compost, load after load

over the leaf-strewn grass they're rolled.

Past the burning bush, its foliage now bright red, which stands out bold,

as come autumn its on fire according to the story of old.

Its bright red berries will cling and hold

while the red leaves will soon lose their hold.

This afternoon another load is cut and towed

of perennial sunflowers once gold.

If only a chipper could be bought or sold,

life would be much easier in my world.

There's still beauty to be found as the wheelbarrow is rolled

back and forth this gray afternoon in the chilly cold.

The dogwood now with leaves of red tinged with gold

and the maple trees, half bare, bear leaves of bright gold.

Before I go in, because it's cold,

I'll pull up the carrots, white - not gold.

These October "tricks and treats" make another load

for my favorite toy, my wheelbarrow, to tow.

My ears are cold

and so is my nose

so inside I go to write this prose.

There's still much more to do when not so cold.

Fallen leaves wait another day to be raked and towed

and perhaps one more time the grass will be mowed.

That's what new in my world.

What's new in your world?

* * * * *

I've written about the burning bush before,

but if you're like me, you need a reminder.

When Mosses saw the bush in the desert that was on fire,

he went closer for the bush wasn't burnt by the fire.

The Lord spoke from that bush

with words that today still touch

our hearts with needed reassurance

to build our waning faith and confidence:

I have indeed seen the misery of my people.

I have heard their crying out in their great woe.

I am concerned about their suffering.

So I have come down to rescue them.

These promises from the Lord still hold true

as they daily apply to both me and you.

Yes, you can believe these promises. No matter what you are going through -

God sees, God hears, God is concerned, and He has a plan to rescue you.

That's means YOU!  Personally.

God has a solution already.

Believing God's promises, plus prayer,

will dissipate any burdens you bear.

The secret is in resting

while you're peacefully waiting

for God's plan to unfold

as you "come forth as gold."

The Lord, said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt.

I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers,

and I am concerned about their suffering.

So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians

and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land,

a land flowing with milk and honey...

Exodus 3:7-8

He knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me,

I will come forth as gold.

Job 23:10

Burning Bush

Life Is a Garden Party

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Bouquets

 

BOUQUETS

As this morning's bright new sun rises

it brings with it many surprises

as it dissipates the hoary frost

covering summer's flowers - now lost.

At one time these perennial flowers were shared,

given to me by someone who cared,

last night visited by Jack Frost, have turned brown

and are waiting for me to one day cut down.

Though sad to see the end of the season,

this woebegone foliage will serve another reason,

for when added to the compost pile

new life will resurrect after awhile.

A lesson to always look for the good.

Though we know we often should,

it seems we concentrate on what's wrong

instead of seeing the good all along.

-

There are are also the everlasting kind.

The flower heads that live on in time -

brittle to the touch

but still offer much.

Gold coronation yarrow brightened the west bed.

orange Chinese lanterns abundant in the north bed,

white puff balls of hydrangeas, are cut early autumn

and for someone handfuls of sea oats are always welcomed.

To be cut before frost comes,

hung in the garage when done,

until time allows to make bouquets

to be given away another day.

As you know, one of the joys of gardening is sharing -

rather seeds, plants, or a bouquet of everlastings.

Making bouquets if one of my favorite things to do

though of later years it seems I haven't taken the time to.

-

Out the back door is an amber-colored hill

where the last bouquet of summer now spills

for the last bouquet of summer

puts on a show – it's a stunner.

The last bouquet of summer offers

red, orange, yellow, and gold pictures

seen blooming on the mountains and hills,

in the valleys and beside the rills.

Stunning when the sun shines on.

Clothed in earthy colors donned.

This last bouquet

provides a bright array.

This bouquet won't last long

as the rain or wind strong

causes this last bouquet to dissipate

then skeleton trees appear in their place.

-

Perhaps you'll make time today

to make an edible bouquet

for the birds - with sunflower heads,

millet, and other seed heads.

Flower heads such as cone flowers stuck in a grapevine wreath

with butterfly bush seed heads and rose hips tucked in the wreath

will make a Christmas gift for feathered friends.

The joys of gardening knows no end.

-

In the vegetable garden awaiting harvest,

for Jack Frost is said to sweeten these vegetables,

is another rainbow bouquet of orange carrots,

red beets, and pale green cabbage to grace one's table.

Colder temperatures will induce roasted vegetables,

or soups or chowders are always welcomed. So set the table,

perhaps invite a guest,

and thank God for His faithfulness.

* * * *

A lovely surprise

seen in the sunrise

when the sun comes up over the hill

as its arching beams uncover and thrill.

Be sure to take time to look today

for surprises come along the way

to lighten the load

on your busy road.

Before you know it the setting sun

will announce your active day is done.

A day that God alone appointed and ordained

when He spoke into existence its creation.

Perhaps you'll even pick a bouquet.

Surely there's something to brighten your day.

Spray-painted weeds such as teasel

might fill a seasonal urn full.

From the rising to the setting of the sun

may your day be filled with an outlook of fun,

but most importantly praise to the one true God

who goes with us to strengthen us on the path we trod.

A hymn of praise will always calm and settle you,

it will change your outlook from one of feeling blue.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow,

praise Him all creatures here below..."

Give it a try.

God hears our heart's cry.

"There is Sunshine in My Soul Today" or "Beyond the Sunset",

goes along with today's scripture verses, and will calm whatever frets.

The Mighty One, God, the Lord,

speaks and summons the earth

from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.

Psalm 50:1

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,

the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Psalm 113:3

The sun rises and the sun sets,

and hurries back to where it rises.

Ecclesiastes 1:5

So that from the rising of the sun

to the place of its setting

men may know there is none besides me.

I am the Lord, and there is no other.

Isaiah 45:6

My name will be great among the nations,

from the rising to the setting of the sun.

Malachi 1:11

May they who love you be like the sun

when it rises in its strength.

Judges 5:31

Life Is a Garden Party

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Datura

Datura, which blooms at dusk.

Strangely photos published in reverse although added in progression???

Like watching a miracle open!

Quickly Approaching

 

Sad to see the end of the vegetable and flower gardens quickly approaching.  Will be bringing in harvest and pots this weekend.  

A couple of phlox still showing color:

This geranium blooms profusely all summer outdoors 

and winter in the basement window.

No butterflies or hummingbirds or bees supping today.

A regular rudbeckia - brown-eyed susan, and a trilobe rudbeckia.

Oddly no yellow finches in the sunflowers or cone flowers today.

Blue jays are also strangely absent this year.

Johnny-jump-ups have self -seeded again.  Happy.

A lot of activity from squirrels today; however, not collecting nuts.  Strange.

Nasturiums

A perennial sunflower:

Due to dry summer, hydrangeas heads were smaller this year.

Miniature rose has been non-stop for many years:

A worker bee's work is never done.  Collecting datura pollen at dusk.

This amaranth, which is shoulder high, was a hijacker when the johnny-jump-ups were given to me.  Now have countless amaranths here and there.

Currant tomatoes!

Have been sharing and sharing and sharing.

Honeynut seeds were given to me.  Will have 3 viable ones from one plant.

Spaghetti squash abundant this year.  Several climbed the fence.

I prefer topped with tuna/chicken, mushrooms, peas, olive oil and pepper,

calling it gluten-free tuna noodle casserole.

Autumn crocus in full bloom.  Shared by my Gram many years ago.

Not attacked by slugs this year, thankfully.

That's how my garden grows this mid September.  What's blooming in your fall garden?

For the earth which drinketh in the rain

which falleth often upon it

and bringeth forth herbs fit for him

by whom it is tilled

receiveth blessings from God.

Hebrews 6:7

Autumn Afternoon

 

Autumn Afternoon

What will this pleasant autumn afternoon bring?

Though no butterflies seen waltzing,

there's plenty of crickets chirping

and yellow finches seen feasting

on sunflower seeds ripening.

Around and round tails spinning

are squirrels chasing each other playing

in the maple tree overhead now shedding

its yearly tradition of leaves molting.

In the blue, blue sky, fluffy white clouds floating.

It's a wonderful day to be gardening.

Time spent today will hardly feel like working.

Yes, a wonderful afternoon spent enjoying.

After watering

annuals wilting,

there's bending and digging

extra plants for sharing.

There's deadheading

dried seeds for saving.

Other plants are brown so cutting

then to the compost adding.

Before I quit this afternoon to go in

I'll see what the garden is offering.

In a basket harvesting

cherry tomatoes ripening.

One day soon, beets pulling

and carrots digging.

They're sweeter after frosting,

like having cake with frosting.

But before it frosts I'll be harvesting

sweet potatoes, winter squash, shell beans picking.

Then garden clean-up looming.

Sad to see the season ending.

Where did the time go? The sun's dipping;

behind the western hill, it's sliding.

A lovely afternoon ending.

Soon dinner will be cooking.

What else will this pleasant autumn afternoon bring?

Suddenly a zing

from a bee sting!

The only one this season.

I've disturbed their in-ground nesting.

* * * * *

We find most days bring more good things than not

but we seem to focus on what did not

go right.

Isn't that right?

Unfortunately. Why is that?

It's like a pesky gnat

that keeps coming again

causing strife within.

Why are we ungrateful

when we should be grateful?

Why do we focus on the negative

when there are many more positives?

Before the close of today

you might look up verses that say:

“Be glad,” “cheerful,” “give thanks,” “rejoice.”

Remember, happiness is a choice.

Focus on the positive

in order to truly live.

Not only will it show on your countenance,

you'll have a new view of your circumstance.

...joyful and glad in heart

for all the good things the Lord had done.

I Kings 8:66

Rejoice in the Lord and be glad.

Psalm 32:11

May the righteous be glad

and rejoice before God;

may they be happy and joyful.

Psalm 68:3

A happy heart makes the face cheerful.

Proverbs 15:13

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones.

Proverbs 15:30

A cheerful heart is good medicine.

Proverbs 17:22

Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Be joyful always;

pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you

in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:16

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

September Visitors

 

September Visitors

After several chilly, cloudy, sunless days,

the sun peaked out for a moment on Friday

beckoning visitors to take a tour

before rain showers begin to pour.

The butterfly bush begins the tour

where winged creatures are often lured.

Today there's monarchs and bees

and hummingbirds come to tease.

Are they filling up before they venture south?

They certainly will be missed in the north.

I'm off to get my camera

to enjoy their pictures this winter.

They must have eyes in the back of their heads

or maybe they caught an odd scent instead

for before I could zoom

they were airborne - zoom, zoom.

The sunflowers beckon next.

Bees never seem to take a rest.

All day long here they reside

on days when the sun doesn't hide.

The bees have an important job to do

beginning long before the morning dew

dissipates

as if in a race.

A photo shows three or four bees

working side-by-side happily

always sharing

while humming.

Today these yellow sunflowers have another guest.

This Friday afternoon yellow finches come on a quest

to dine to their stomach's content

on the sunflower head's content.

Though I try to take a picture,

they're quickly off to the neighbors

until I turn my back on them

then they suddenly fly in again.

Shy

guys

these feathered friends

with yellow and black plumes.

Checking out the zinnia border,

I see monarchs. Three...four...or more.

Flying flowers these monarchs are

for when I zoom in, they zoom afar.

They're seen sharing with the bees

though sometimes they disturb the bees.

The bees are as happy as can be

heard humming loudly and merrily.

In a few short weeks they'll be sorely missed,

these butterflies and bees who today kiss

a zinnia of every color

in this colorful flower border.

Today visiting hummers are attracted to me

as I'm wearing a red top with sleeves.

Just inches away from my face, I hear loud humming

and I can feel a breeze from their fluttering.

It's magical to stand among

winged creatures having such fun

who all around me float, buzz, and hum

this afternoon under the welcome sun.

Another visitor on today's tour

was a dragonfly who perhaps was lured

by the rainbow of delights

under the sunlight bright.

Yes, red and yellow

attracts winged fellows

as does pink, purple, orange, and gold, too -

and, of course, morning glory blue.

Though not seen today,

on other sunny days

I've seen a hummingbird moth

as the butterfly bush it sought.

No pictures taken to date

as it zooms through the gate

faster than I can zoom

the camera zoom.

A lovely afternoon, it was,

trying to capture bees that buzz,

butterflies who act shy,

and hummers zooming nigh.

Soon these special flying friends

will float along on the wind

on an adventure southward bound

bringing delight to another town.

* * * * *

How wonderful that God created our beautiful earth

where bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and dragonflies bring mirth

as they entertain us each summer here in the north.

And I know whatever turf

you happen to inhabit

gloriously exhibits

wondrous winged creatures births.

How Great Thou Art

by Carl Boberg

O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder,

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made;

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed.

When thru the woods and forest glades I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

That on the cross my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died To take away my sin.

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!

Then I shall bow in humble adoration,

And there proclaim, "My God, how great Thou art!"

Refrain:

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art! How great thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art! How great thou art!

How great you are, O Sovereign Lord!

There is no one like you,

and there is no God but you.

II Samuel 7:22

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth

by your great power and outstretched arm.

Nothing is too hard for you...

O great and powerful God,

whose name is the Lord Almighty,

great are your purposes

and mighty are your deeds.

Jeremiah 32:17-19

There's something even more wonderful

than having a flower garden full

of pollinators

each and every summer.

It's knowing that God call us His children.

We, though quite rebellious, are God's children.

Here's a variation of the above chorus:

Then I shall sing, how wonderful God is

that I am His, that I am His.

Then I shall sing, how wonderful God is

That I am His, that I am His!

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!

I John 3:1

To all who received him,

to those who believed in his name,

he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:12

Life Is a Garden Party

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