Mother's Day

To my mother, Rose

Beautiful and glorious is this Sunday morn!
In the coolness of the fragrant garden
so colorful and alive
an early walk along the paths
we strolled together when last you came,
and still I hear your voice.
So many years have passed
yet on this day I weep
as I miss you so
But I rejoice!
for within me lies your love and undying spirit
Nothing can replace that mother's love. ~ Diana



"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. " ~ Kahlil Gibran

To my children: "A Mother holds her children's hands for a while...their hearts forever” (author unknown)

I honor and celebrate this day. To all of you I share a message sent to me from a very dear friend:

"From one mother to another. Much love on Mother's Day."

A Lilacs View

Storm clouds threaten from the south


A lilacs view to the west

Chinese Tree Peony, Paeonia suffruticosa

We decided to go to the coast this past week: pack up our camper and head into the wind and rain, and boy did it, but that for another post.


Before we departed Tuesday, I took some photos of blossoms in the garden, a few of the rhododendrons






but especially the Chinese Tree Peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa), for it is this time of year when these exquisite blossoms regale into dinner plate-sized grandeur and that wind and rain generally follow. (pictured P. suffruticosa 'Yagumo')



The 4-5 foot upright woody shrubs do very well in our garden: deep, well prepared soil and good drainage, full sun or part shade, and in the early spring they appreciate a little bone meal (high in phosphorus) worked into the soil.

The blossoms are so heavy they generally require staking. Following their amazing display, I'll cut many back to stronger growing wood. They offer years of enjoyment and with little care.