A FRIEND IN MY GARDEN
By  Amanda Krug

"If happiness were flowers, my garden would be full!"
The inscription on the beautifully illustrated stationary
tugged at my heart. True enough,
it was symbolic of the happiness I feel in my own life,
but it held a deeper meaning as well.
Flowers have always represented happiness to me.
They have a way of making a joyful occasion more exciting,
and a sad event more bearable.
Whether gathered in a country basket fresh from the garden,
delivered in a formal vase with each blossom artfully arranged, or
clutched eagerly within the grasp of a toddler's chubby hand,
flowers rarely fail to lift our spirits a bit higher
than where they found them.
Who can resist the beauty in the soft,
gentle hues of the dainty daffodils,
the statuesque iris, and the playful snapdragon,
or the contrasting bright, bold colors of the welcoming tulip,
the grand hibiscus, or the common petunia?
And the fragrances....
few things compare with the smells created
just before a springtime storm
as the first signaling breezes sweep through new blossoms,
whirling their sweet perfume throughout the air in
a delightful, aromatic dance.
There are bouquets which represent ceremony,
loyalty, remembrance, holidays, friendship, and of course, love.
We may even associate particular flowers
with specific people we know.
Lilacs bring thoughts of my own mother
and her anticipation of their yearly blooms.
My husband believes yellow roses hold the key to my heart,
while his young daughters prefer the dramatic red ones.
Marigolds caught the fancy of my grandpa years ago and one sister,
Larietha, fell in love with the exotic Antherium.
In my garden, I keep a wide variety of flowers,
just as in life I enjoy a variety of people.
Some are easy to care for, while others
require more pampering and attention.
A few varieties require skill to maneuver around the thorns!
Certain plants were chosen for their simplicity,
and still others for their uniqueness and challenge.
The annuals stay only for a season to provide bursts of pleasure,
while the perennials take root and remain a constant source of joy.
All come together to form a lovely presence in my garden of
happiness - the one in my yard and the one in my life.
Recently, my garden received a special surprise from a new friend,
who shared with me a number of perennials
from her own garden in Maine.
The gift elated me as only flowers can!
Warm thoughts of Kay filled my
morning as I carefully planted and labeled each of the tender flowers,
musing at the symbolism taking place.
A part of her had journeyed a long way to be nurtured in my garden,
and now would become a lasting part of me and my happiness.
A friend in my garden - in my yard and in my life.

Index Page
Flowers Page Four
Scenics Page Two
Critters Page Two
Tiled Backgrounds Page One
Flowers Page Five
Tiled Backgrounds Page Two
Tiled Backgrounds Page Three
Product Index
Onward to Home Page One