Of Gardens and Grace

Good morning all, it's Wednesday and another day of extraordinary weather; snow, wind, snow, and more snow in much of our country.

Praying that you are staying warm wherever you are reading this.  Here in the land of sunshine, though it is colder than in years past and has been for some time, the sun is shining brightly.

I'm thinking about Spring.

The small garden area behind our townhouse is looking grim.  The freezes have taken a toll on the potted plants and the hibiscus in the corner is brown down to the ground.  The azalea bush   (31+ years young) is prevailing, green and full branches outstretched.  The flower bed anchored at each end with a small daisy bush and variegated spider plant have weathered the cold.

I'm so eager to ready for the next planting.

It will require the cutting away of dead branches and leaves. Unless that is accomplished the growth will be stunted or even stopped. Much preparation of the existing plants, existing soil,  and flower pots will be required, as well as addressing the weeds that are present. 

I'm going to the "experts".   I cannot leave my garden to chance if I want to enjoy it in the coming months.

The University of Florida has a plethora of information on their website "University of Florida IAFS Extension".  My friend Karen has advised that the Master Gardeners from Hillsborough County Extension are presently conducting workshops at my neighborhood library as well; that should be very helpful.

I am willing to put in the time it will take to get my garden producing beautiful green foliage and my favorite flowers.  This year I hope tomatoes will join our garden scape.  I'm learning  which plants will do best in the space, as well as how to keep them thriving.

As I consider the commitment this will take on my part I'm buoyed by the knowledge that I will not be alone in my adventure.

A beloved hymn runs through my mind:

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.

I'd stay in the garden with Him
Tho the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go thru a voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling.

And He walks with me and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.

When I sing the words written so long ago I'm warmed that the author, C. Austin Miles, treasured his time with the LORD as I do mine.

With every troweling, every pruned branch and planted seed in freshly laid soil, Jesus will be right beside me; the Bible tells me so!

Thinking of you dear reader and wondering - how does YOUR garden grow?