the garden

Living at the Inn has provided my first experience living with a real, working garden. This summer has been a constant treasure trove of flowers, each blooming in their own time, rippling throughout the garden. The harmony of the shifting flowers is bright and calm. The crocuses, tulips, daisies, lilies, peonies, irises, and black-eyed Susans are only those I can name off the top of my head. Others I can only identify by sight--the prickly periwinkle, the red tiny flower clusters, the hot pink spikies. They move through the season, taking turns displaying their beauty.

The other day there were three species of bees sitting on one flower cluster.



The herbs are now in full swing. While the chives are finally starting to die away, the sage is resplendent. It's huge! My favorite herb, so soft and fragrant. I put it in cubed butternut squash Monday night and was instantly transported to Fall. The basil is growing lush and large. Her fate might become a jar of pesto. The mint finally calmed down and is now contained in a pretty little corner under the raspberry bushes. The spearmint resides with the holly and is overwhelmingly sweet. Then there's tarragon and oregano, the quiet brush of our herb garden. The hidden gems. The flat leaf and curly parsley round-out the bunch, providing fresh garnish for our breakfasts.

It's been such a blessing to watch the evolution of this garden throughout the summer. I've learned so much about planting, growing, and cultivating. Things I thought were dead have completely surprised me by coming to life and thriving in the moist sun. I am in love with the earth and all that she's provided for nourishment through beauty.