Mid-Summer Days

Despite the heat that is typical for the middle of the summer, I think this is my favorite part of the season as everything is maturing and looks so beautiful. I may not enjoy the intense heat, but the beauty around me makes up for it....

My water garden... This is one of my favorite areas in the yard. I love the soothing sounds of running water and the many colors and textures of the plants growing here.

This is the first year I have been able to really grown anything in this particular spot! I love compost!!!

I love arches and this one is absolutely filled with vines. I love to walk through this area as well.

One more spot. I love to tuck flowers in any place they will grow. This is my favorite path to walk. 

Looking back on my favorite path.

Another arch. 

The rose. One of my favorite flowers and to have it growing here is thrilling.

Just another view of my big arch.

And another view of the flowers along my walkway.

The water garden from a different angle.

Apples are ready!!!

The front yard has color in it even though it has been sadly neglected this year.

That is how far I got planting flowers this year in the front yard. I love what is there and can't wait to expand on it next year!

Looking across the front yard... Next year it won't look like this...

Summer is a glorious time. It is a time of preparation for the winter accompanied by radiant splendor, relaxing moments, family time and more. It is tempting to use summer just as a time to relax and play but I firmly believe that work is the essence of life and it makes the relaxing times that much more enjoyable. I am grateful for work. I love to go out and work in the yard. There is so much to learn and so much joy in creating and up-keeping something beautiful.

Families are like gardens. When we work at keeping them clean and healthy every day (ie. remove weeds, adding water and fertilizing) they prosper, grow and flourish and the fruits they produce are sweet and enjoyable. Weeds are easily dealt with when they are small and relatively unseen. My yard is a daily reminder to me that incidental conflicts and difficulties are easiest dealt with in their infancy. With every weed I pull I am reminded to stay close to the garden so that problems and conflicts in my family can be uprooted while small - before they become a problem. What joy there is in the garden of family. I am so blessed.