“All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.” ~ Helen Hayes
My friend Tanner is still dreaming…while I am working.
But what a wonderful feeling to weed and mow and trim as the Memorial Garden bursts forth around me.
Two different visitors confessed today that they never believed this garden would be realized.
I guess there is no telling what a few devoted gardeners can accomplish.
All of last season’s hard work is evident again.
Even those we thought were lost, like this butterfly twig bush is now making a comeback.
“Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer.” ~ Geoffrey B. Charlesworth
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” ~ Margaret Atwood
Dirt, and dogs, I say. And I so happily do.
Gardens For Goldens 
I love the shot of the first dog on the bench and the first purple tulips.
Thank you. Your photography is stunning. 🙂
What a lovely gift to the world you have created through this garden.
Thank you, Emily. I’m learning a lot about how to make it a happy place for bees as well, through your wonderful blog 🙂
Your blog post was a nice way to start Easter Sunday. Your photography skills are always wonderful and today’s photos are beautiful. I wanted to note which one I liked the best but after going back and forth I just couldn’t pick one because they are all works of art. Thank you for sharing your friends and your camera skills.
Judy, you flatter! Just great subjects and good camera. I am but their instrument…LOL. Thank you for visiting, and Happy Easter!
Frohe Ostern und herzlichen Dank! I love living in California and being part of our incredibly beautiful nature!
🙂
Please bottle the smell of the lilacs and send it to me! Haven’t smelled one since Spring of ’93!
The don’t smell like those lilacs back east. Those don’t grow well out here, but a neighbor has managed one. I have been known to tromp across her lawn for a smell-fix myself!
Your photos come to life.
🙂
Just gorgeous and so very lovely: food for the spirit! Thank you, Ogee!
Thank you, Kitty!
What a glorious post, Ogee. Yes, the gardener does become an instrument. Thank you for sharing such beautiful images and such beautiful thoughts.
Thank you, Lynn. Just filled with the magic of spring!
My heartfelt thanks to all of those who make this beauty possible for us to appreciate. May God bless you and your dogs!
On behalf of the gardeners and the dogs – thank you, Dale!
My mommy wishes she could smell like dirt and dogs every day! Thank you for the beautiful photos . . . a wonderful Easter gift.
Me too! Sometimes I just have to settle for dogs 🙂
Ahhhhhh, absolutely glorious! Such splendid photographs. I can imagine what deep satisfaction must come from seeing all of these beautiful results of the hard work that has gone into this garden. The colors in these photographs are so vivid. What a peaceful place! It makes me so happy to see it!
Me too 🙂
The dogs are lucky to see the lovely garden! 😀 And very lovely photos, thank you for sharing the inspiration. Now I feel like going to IKEA to buy some new colored pots for a near gardening activities soon, hihihi! Happy Spring!
Ah! Tell Ikea to send a donation in support of local dogs for the boost to their sales! 🙂 Happy spring to you as well!
Hahaha they should in the first place! Have a lovely day 😀