sentimental structure

my new metal pea/cucumber fence and re-stained deck

my old handmade trellis, RIP

I've had some time to work on projects on the home front, including re-staining my old deck (it looks brand-new!). But I knew that the old stick trellis I'd made many seasons ago to support my annual pea and cucumber vines wouldn't make it through another growing season; it was time for an upgrade.

Although I missed my spring pea planting window (I may plant a fall crop this year instead), I went overboard in the cucumber department, planting two varieties and several seedlings in relatively close quarters. But I know this new trellis will handle it. Will it be a good cucumber season? I hope so, but my friends and neighbors may not; some seasons have been so prolific that I felt as though they were avoiding me during the harvest season... (but what's a few dozen cucumbers among friends?)

And yes, I know I had a silly sentimental attachment to the rickety handmade wooden structure I'd been using for so many years and nursing along well beyond its useful life. But structures become part of the personal landscape of a garden over time; one grows accustomed to their tireless (and literal) support year after year. So the old trellis is awaiting it's final sendoff, a final repurposing of sorts, into kindling for a Midsummer bonfire. RIP, you served me well.

Are you sentimental about a garden structure?

woodland journey

Trillium grandiflorum (white trillium) and wild geranium

When I first saw this thriving forest of white trillium during a woodland walk (near Ann Arbor, Mich.), it nearly took my breath away. It can feel awe-inspiring to view any wildflower growing en masse, but I had grown up with a special admiration for this native spring bloomer, which up until this point, I had only seen growing in clusters a small fraction of this size. For my return trip this year (I hope to make it an annual adventure), I took my camera along, but my photos do little justice to this expansive natural trillium garden nor adequately represents the sheer volume of flowers that encompass a good portion of the trail. I find that taking the time to enjoy experiences like this can help reignite my creative energy, and the photos I take become mementos of my creative journey.

supermoon

Perhaps it was the power of the "supermoon" last Saturday that propelled me to finally begin this blog (ha ha). How long have I been talking about doing this? I managed to snap this photo when the clouds briefly parted that night. It was an inspiring sight, shining so brightly through the thick darkness... I always wonder what people thousands of years ago would have thought of such a sight. (And then my mind wanders to episodes of Star Trek.)