The first summer we lived here — 2013 — this median facing an ugly view required a date with two batteries worth of weed whackers at least three times per week. We’re talking fast growing, out of control weeds on a strip of land with giant holes and rock hard, uneven soil, and an often flooded driveway. It crushed my soul to see this median as we approached our house.
I can barely believe the difference four years makes! This same strip is now a rain garden, bird and butterfly paradise, with serviceberry trees, Robinhood roses, sunflowers, lilies, milkweed, bachelor’s buttons, love in a mist, cosmos, and more. The fragrance alone is worth the trip. Last year, those roses bloomed from late May through the end of November with barely any care. Birds ate the hips this winter and spring.
Don’t ever doubt that you can change the world, one bright spot at a time:
Laura Bruno's Blog 
Posted by Linette on June 8, 2017 at 12:35 pm
My whole being sighs in relief whenever I see those roses ❤
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Posted by laurabruno on June 8, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Me, too, Linette! And then I inhale. Mmmm, I need to cut a bouquet of those roses for in here while I pack. Intoxicating! ❤
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Posted by Linette on June 8, 2017 at 1:54 pm
Yes, you do! Always mix business and pleasure ❤️
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Posted by Eliza Ayres on June 8, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Reblogged this on Blue Dragon Journal.
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Posted by Dawn Vierra on June 8, 2017 at 12:51 pm
What a huge difference you made in the soil and plantings in your yard but for all the birds, bees and butterflies. Not to mention your street, neighbors and community. We can all see what loving intention, purpose and hard physical work in the case can do to transform it all. Thank you fir being such a bright wayshower Laura to so many of us
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Posted by laurabruno on June 8, 2017 at 1:26 pm
Thank you, Dawn! I gathered some “before” photos yesterday for the new people, and it’s really startling. Many of the real “before” images don’t even exist, because it was so soul crushing I couldn’t bring myself to admit I lived here. Now I wish I had some of those originals, but I still remember trying hard not to cry while I weed whacked. Now I smile every time I look out the window, walk down the street, get the mail or pull into the driveway.
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Posted by Dawn Vierra on June 8, 2017 at 1:28 pm
I remember some of those first pictures. It has transformed completely through all your efforts and love
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Posted by Mitch on June 8, 2017 at 1:09 pm
wow, so lush!
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Posted by laurabruno on June 8, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Thanks, Mitch! No care, either, except occasional deadheading of flowers or trimming back those thorny Robinhoods. Otherwise, it’s just an easy care, lush delight.
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Posted by Tania Marie's Blog on June 8, 2017 at 1:10 pm
looks gorgeous!! good job little fire faery who packs a punch!
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Posted by laurabruno on June 8, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Thanks, T! That’s a fruit punch. 😉
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Posted by Tania Marie's Blog on June 8, 2017 at 1:28 pm
😉 hehe!
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Posted by skydancer4444 on June 8, 2017 at 2:31 pm
There are my grandmother’s day lilies! Right in the midst of all that color explosion. Thank you for sharing these photos today. What a transformation indeed÷ And what a happy flood of memories of my grandmother.
Sky
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Posted by laurabruno on June 10, 2017 at 7:29 am
Oh, that’s lovely, Sky! It’s amazing how many people this garden reminds of their grandmother. Also the trains. I can’t believe how many people have fond memories of trains due to a grandmother. 🙂
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Posted by manyhahama1955 on June 8, 2017 at 3:13 pm
Yes, so amazing! thanks for sharing the beauty and for making it so. with love!
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Posted by laurabruno on June 10, 2017 at 7:29 am
Thanks and love, Sophia!
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Posted by contramimi on June 10, 2017 at 3:40 am
Reblogged this on Illuminations Now!!.
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Posted by contramimi on June 10, 2017 at 3:43 am
How beautiful your garden lools it is warming not only your heart but those of reading your blog too – at least mine !
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Posted by laurabruno on June 10, 2017 at 7:30 am
Thank you, Contramimi, and also thanks again for the Epsom salt tip. It’s really helped my container plants ready for transport in two weeks. 🙂
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Posted by Linette on June 13, 2017 at 6:45 am
Reblogged this on and commented:
Sharing this beautiful post from my friend, Laura. Thanks in large part to her and her awesome husband, as well as several other friends, Jason and I will be making this place our home at the end of this month!
To say that this place is dream come true for us just doesn’t do justice to our journey. I will write more about that once we get settled in to the new place, but for now, I leave you with Laura’s gorgeous photos.
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Posted by Real Life Jumpsuit Tower Jailbreak | Laura Bruno's Blog on April 19, 2022 at 12:41 pm
[…] haven’t felt creatively blocked. I’ve painted lots of portals, designed a full permaculture haven, redecorated several homes, written guided journals and a LOT of blog posts. My intuitive and […]
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