I had another life once upon a time. It was an abundant life, although in very different ways than my current life is abundant. I guess that's why they say there are seasons in life... a time for everything.
When I was nearing graduation from BYU with a degree in horticulture, I knew I would be hard pressed to find a good job in my field in ol' Provo. Only now can I appreciate how lucky I was to stumble upon a job posting for this diamond in the rough. Morinda Gardens, more commonly known as Noni Gardens, became my second home at the base of Mt. Timanogos. Even now as I look at these pictures I feel like I am visiting an old friend. After two years of working in those gardens--sun, rain, and snow--that place became a part of me, and I like to think I became a part of it too.
I am a sentimental fool by nature, but working in nature brought it out in me even more. I love the four seasons and all of the nuances of change that correlate in the plant habitat. I thought I would share with you some snapshots of my gardens (if I may call them that) at this time in September of 2005.
The roses bloom abundantly in the very late days of summer, before fall frosts nip them in the bud.
Notice the view of the trees turning red on the mountain benches. I had a front row seat.
Grasses are one of my favorite sights in the fall landscape. This one is an annual (meaning it only lives one season), called Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’: Purple Fountain Grass.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder': Silver Feather Grass... This beauty is a perennial (meaning it will grow back year after year).
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster: Feather Reed Grass is one of my very favorites. I love how it is so tall and linear with gorgeous wheat colored plumes at the top.
Acer palmatum ‘Red Filagree Lace’: Laceleaf Japanese Maple is already red, but adds to the fall landscape with its pretty hue.
Doesn't this make you want to visit my secret gardens? Maybe they aren't so secret anymore... but I like to think of them that way.
Lauren I am so happy to have planted the little seed that is now growing beautifully! I love your blog and I am excited to keep checking up on your creativity and knowledge about flowers and gardens, I know NOTHING so it will help in years to come!
ReplyDeleteLauren, I am also glad to have planted a seed...or rather passed it on to you about gardening. I got mine from my mom who could grow a pretty mean iris,and from my Grandma Taylor who had a wonderous yard. I loved to watch the moon flowers unfold on the side of her garage in the late summer twilight. I can't wait to watch your gardening blog bloom!
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom
I know that feeling about a "previous" life :) mine is with nursing... I am excited for your little project! I don't have any questions right now... but I always planned on consulting you when we finally have our own yard to plan out and plant!
ReplyDeleteI DO have a question. Shade plants? Our front flower beds face almost directly north. They get a very little early morning sun and a very little late afternoon sun...but some parts of the bed get none at all. The most descriptive thing I can tell you about them is that they are growing moss! I tried daffodils and they never bloomed. Now I've got hostas and coral bells but they aren't exactly taking off. I want them to look full and lush. I also want them full of perennials since I can't afford new plants every year! I love grasses and any kind of variety of color or texture. Help!!
ReplyDeleteMan do I wish that next fall when I graduate there would be a job like that waiting for me! Sadly I don't think I will find anything of the sort in Rexburg! :( Hopefully I will be able to use my "talents" in a different way to put Ren through school.....weddings maybe.....wanna help? lol Those gardens sure are beautiful! I love them! And please tell me that you don't have those names memorized....if so I am in big trouble, in my plant/flower ID class the names went in one ear...on to the test paper and out the other...there were just so many! Anyways....can't wait to see what knowledge you bestow upon me each week! This will be fun! :)
ReplyDelete