If I had to summarize my garden right now, it’s “Bulbs attempting to cover up cut down grasses” season.
Funny story, the daffodils below look like bloom is impending, but truth is, they haven’t opened in four years. But I remain steadfast in my optimism that this will be the year.
Peonies are back like, “You know how tough we are. Why ever doubt us?” I know, you’re right.
Still my favorite Geranium (Espresso), based on foliage alone.
“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”
–Andy Bernard (The Office)
“What day is it?” asked Pooh.
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.”
–A.A. Milne
Quotes that seem easy to live by, yet they get pushed aside by, “What’s next?”, “Where do we have to be in an hour?” and “What else is there?”
Last weekend was not one of those times.
I felt it while I was in it. I knew it was a moment in time never to be forgotten and one we’d rehash for years to come. That’s what we chase and when we do it right, well it’s fucking blissful.
My son is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh and we spent Easter weekend with him.
Armed with an agenda so thoroughly researched and carefully crafted by my wife, we gave my son a simple choice: here’s what we’ve got planned, tell us where you’re in and where you’re not; no feelings hurt when you pass.
We ate real well (and he was with us for those, shocking I know) and visited the must see spots like the Duquesne Incline.
We toured the campus, with my son obliging our request to trace the walks he takes each day to and from class, to and from the gym and to and from other spots he frequents. As my son shared tidbits along our journey, I felt overwhelmed with pride, overwhelmed with “where did the time go?” and overwhelmed with, “I want to go back to the beginning too.”
You know it had to have been a great time if all members of the Markowski family agreed to a selfie.
Damn they’re good people.
I’ll spare you any more sappiness and share some pics from the Phipps Conservatory (which my son bowed out of in favor of sleep).
Have a great weekend all.
The first official flower appeared today (I don’t count the crocus blooms, don’t ask me why). Exciting times at the Markowski garden.
But let’s be honest here. This isn’t as thrilling as this.
Or this.
I love me some perennials and I love me some emerging perennial foliage. I don’t ever take their return each spring for granted. I will visit each individual plant daily moving forward and marvel at their growth, their peak bloom and even as they die off with grace in fall.
It may be time to revisit the book I published a few years back. An update may be in the cards with the perennials I’ve added since then. The perennial life cycle is what keeps me gardening.
Well that and the grasses.