Beauty and the Mini-Beast

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

28 Responses to “Beauty and the Mini-Beast”

  1. 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. 🙂

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. As shown through your stunning post and photos, dear Kathryn, rain is God’s gift for all! This weekend, Michigan has been blessed 🙂

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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