Judging from this neighborhood creek one would think we are flush with water. Not so. A drive out to the county reservoir revealed this. One does not really anticipate sand bars in the middle of a reservoir in March.
My jaunt was followed by a stop at the county water office where I was informed that in spite of days and days of continued unexpected rain we are still far short of our annual needs. We have 17″, not our usual 37″. Yikes!
Fortunately, as is so often the case, with the much needed falling rain comes much needed beauty, locked irrevocably arm in arm. The stuff of life is bursting around here!
First came the red camellia, which actually did open at Christmastime, as it was advertised to do. They are rather on the wane, but still flourishing sufficiently to offer us this treasure.
Next the violets, lending their quaint and subtle charm, began springing up in convenient and not so convenient abundance, livening large areas of the front lawn as well as brightening spots between the flagstone, where they were actually “planted.”
The faithful borage has surfaced on and off all winter, enduring and endearing except under the harshest days, meaning an occasional snow flurry, which would put off almost anything but the chard.
In a whoosh, in a heartbeat, overnight, like magic, the plum tree opened its lovely white blossoms and, in spite of the torrent of rain, wafted throughout the back garden, reminding creatures large and small that spring was ever so near.
Resonating with the call, the quince followed suit.
But, alas, dear readers, if I were to portray a perfect world for you, a world where the rivers are filling and all is in blossom, I would not be true. No. For among the myriad blossoms and the rushing waters and teeny droplets promising turning us back from the brink of draught, nay, because of the turning of the tide, comes this. Yes, it does.
Oh, woe is me.
But turn your eyes, turn your eyes, dear reader, towards beauty. Yes! Here!
Oh, dear. Oh, dear. Another! What little beastie can be doing this in my backyard? What little beastie, indeed?
Would it be he?
Mischievous as my boy Conner is, probably not.
But what’s this emerging from under the bushes?
I think we have our little beastie, don’t you? What a girl! Ruby, take a bath! Now!
No shame whatsoever. Just more fun for her. Now where were we? Aw, yes, I was about to take you to see the magnolias! Beauty in abundance!
Had enough? Good! I thought not. I really must show you the camellias, which are very pretty at the moment! Delicate white…
Cheerie red…
And perfect pink…
From the bottom of my heart I give thanks for the glorious rain, for the splendid, fragrant flowers and the magnificent beauty with which they graces our lives, and for all the beasties great and small.
Love and garden kisses,
Kathryn xoxo
Posted on March 2nd, 2009 by Kathryn
Filed under: Plants
Kathryn,
What beautiful blooms! That magnolia is breathtaking… my favorite tree.
I too am enjoying the blessing of rain here in the Santa Cruz mountains. Our camellias, ribes, violets, and hellebores are gorgeous as usual, and the clematis is just coming into bloom. What a wonderful world,, even in spite of the mud, the mole runs, the rabbit damage, and the lawn patches where grubs ate the roots last fall!
I’ve always appreciated rain. But I live in the Pacific Northwest and if I wasn’t on friendly terms with rain, I’d go mad. Love your photos. Breathtaking flowers and a beautiful dog.
Nancy, LOL! This is a hilarious comment and really sums up Life in the Garden, doesn’t it? Thanks for the visit! I really got a good laugh! Kathryn xoox
Good evening, Grace. Yes we do adapt, don’t we? It’s amazing how casual we are about the rain here in N. CA. Every day I see kids go by in cotton sweats. Raincoat? What’s that! I’d call that being on “friendly terms with rain.”! And Ruby and Conner thank you. 🙂 Kathryn xoxo
Dear Kathryn,
17 instead of 37? that made me scared. I hop it will recover – is there such possibility?
When I look at all the flowers, I think you are so happy thou. Not being under the clouds and snow for so many weeks.
Can you believe, that snow here is not gone yet? So I find different ways to hold on. You know: orchids, ponds etc.
Hugs,
Ewa
Great post Kathryn – of course, being English I am on very friendly terms with rain, but hadn’t appreciated the drought you’re having.
Have some of my rain – it’s coming down in bucketloads!!!
Good morning, Ewa! yes, 17, instead of 37. We have two more months of rain possibility. It’s raining bunches at the moment and will rain all week, so I’m guessing at least two extra inches this week. We will pray for a wet March! Yes, I’m still happy! And I’m visualizing we will have the water we need. No rationing necessary! I want a bigger vege garden this year! Your having snow probably means greater chance of more rain here. We are all connected! Hugs back! Kathryn xoxo
Hi, Liz! Yes, send it our way! And some to Texas, too! We can use it! Thanks! Kathryn xoxo
Kathryn, greetings from central Ohio where it is 16 degrees this morning, wind chill down to 7 degrees. Yesterday got up to 27 degrees, more than 20 degrees below normal. The only flowers in the yard I have seen so far are rather frozen flower buds of snowdrops. Some years I am through crocus and into early daffodils by now. We are really behind which means that it will all come in a rush and things will last only days instead of weeks. I prefer the long, slow springs to this. Keeping warm.
Julie and family
Hi, Liisa–thanks for your visit last evening! Yes, the magnolias are my favorite, too! Kathryn xoox
Oh, Julie, you are so reminding me of the moment in Ohio the year after college with my heavy winter coat whipping in the wind, my bare legs freezing, struggling to keep a hat on my head saying to myself, “This is the last winter I go through like this!” Even Grandma left and came to Northern CA! You are a brave soul and spring will be especially precious and welcomed this year. Warm hugs! Kathryn xoxo
Hi Kathryn!
I love the rain. It seems like when it rains I cannot wait to be out in it.
Ruby looks like she is having so much fun with her doggie pool. How fun!
It is wonderful seeing what is beginning to bloom this time of year. Besides the teahouse shack, we set up a large garden umbrella so we can sit nice and dry with the rain all around us. I love the sound of rain on the umbrella. When most people are inside, there is a whole world in the rain with birds hopping about the branches.
I do hope this week of storms will be enough to prevent water crisis.
Best regards,
Philip
Hi, Philip! There is something very enticing about the rain. I love it, too. If it’s not too cold I actually love to work in the garden in the rain. It can be very fun. I love the idea of the big garden umbrella and your hiding inside enjoying the rain in your garden! And, yes, let’s hope we get a very wet March! Kathryn xox
Hi Kathryn, when you’re finished, send a little of that rain this way, would you? Cute post title about the ecstasy and agony of gardening. Oh, the little doggie sinkholes mixed with the beauty of all that is blooming there.~~Dee
Good morning, Dee! Yes, Doggie Sinkholes! LOL! Too funny! Meanwhile, would that these storms could pay a visit to Pam in Austin and then pay you a call. There might be a better chance of the snow in GA and TN extending its white arms to OK! 🙂 I’ll visualize that one! Kathryn xoxo
What beauty surrounds you Kathryn! It’s wonderful to see all the color, even from here where it’s still mostly brown and the garden’s still sleeping.
Your Ruby and my George would get along famously!
Hi, Linda! So you have a little beastie, too, huh? 🙂 I’m hoping she outgrows it. She has such a different background, having been raised as a working dog on a sheepranch, kept in a kennel outside. Hopefully this is just some arrested development and she will outgrow her puppy tendencies! She’s a dear angel and it does no harm. And I get great exercise mending her creations! And, yes, we are immersed in color at the moment! Thanks for the visit! xoxo
The magnolia blossoms are Gorgeous! Wow! Beautiful share!
Awww, Ruby! Too cute, despite sinkhole play! 🙂
Love you,
Antonia
Hi, Antonia!! Glad you enjoyed the local tour! Fortunately it will all still be in blossom when you come up to celebrate your return north! Whoopee!! Love you! Mom xoxoo
That perfectly pink camillia is both perfect and a wonderful pink. How precisely those petals have been arranged by some unseen hand. The quince is always showy — I love that rich red-pink colour. Everything looks very beautiful — even the naughty Ruby — and thanks for sharing your spring colour with us. 🙂
Kathryn, your sunny disposition even in the rain is heart warming. Thank you for sharing the lovely blooms you are enjoying there. We here in Utah are just getting the first signs of spring. My azaleas are beginning to push up their first blades with a promise of glorious shows of color by Memorial Day. I will be taking those lovely blooms and putting them on the graves of dear ones very recently and long since departed.
I’m so happy that Antonia is going to be there with you now. You can both enjoy the rain together.
Warmest Wishes,
Lori
Hi, Nancy, and thanks! I will pass along your kind words to Ruby, that she has a fan. (Of course we love her bunches, and “normally” she’s very good!) Kathryn xoxo
Hi, dear cousin, Lori–so appreciative of your comments. And good news! We are facing an entire week of sunshine! Praise be! So, lots to be grateful for, and you, my dear, are one of the blessings. Thanks. Love, Kathryn xoxo
As shown through your stunning post and photos, dear Kathryn, rain is God’s gift for all! This weekend, Michigan has been blessed 🙂
Yay! So glad you also received what you need, Joey! It’s sunny here now, for which I am so grateful. The latest news is that we really did make a dent in our water needs in the last two weeks! Amazing what a short amount of time can offer to change a situation! Duly noted! Kathryn xoxo
All of your photos are great. But I’m especially enamored of that first one. I think I’d frame that one if I were you!
Brenda
Hi, Brenda, Thanks for the visit! So glad you enjoyed the photo of the creek. Creeks are compelling, no doubt. Where do they go? Kathryn xoxo