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.
