It’s so amazing how nature sorts itself. I’ve mentioned the weeping birch in front of our house, which according to neighbors, has struggled for five years. I kept trying and trying to keep this tree alive, but it turns out a dead tree really does support more life than a living one. I had heard that before, but I still wanted the birch to survive. It seems that nature had other plans, because this tree actually looks more dramatic and faery without leaves, and it gives the garden much more sun:
I have another, far more magical and accurate looking photo of that birch tree and surrounding garden, which I’ve unsuccessfully tried posting for weeks. In the photo you see above, most of the camera shy beings are out of sight. No matter how hard I try, I cannot get that other photo to load. If you want to know what the garden really looks like, imagine the above photo with extra shimmer and glow, and the hanging branches creating a “mist” even on sunny afternoons. The photo above is flat compared to the life force energy radiating from that tree and the plants and beings around it.
We have way more birds in our front yard this year due to all the fun perches available now. I see gold finches, cardinals and robins throughout the day. On a recent morning, I was just writing about crows when this one landed on the branch. Another one followed and peeked right into the front window until I finished commenting on crows.
I also learned from a neighbor that we finally(!) have a resident owl in the neighborhood. I take that as an excellent sign, since it arrived right after I asked for extra protection of our streets and yards. Owls always make themselves known at key moments in my life or when I need help with an “impossible” situation. Even if I don’t see or hear the owl myself, somehow people know to tell me at just the right time.
Because of my involvement in protecting our neighborhood from potential damage by the Township Board, we have a lot more neighbors coming to our door and passing the front yard garden. Everyone comments about the wide variety of flowers, and only when they stand right in front of the garden do some of them recognize vegetables and herbs, as well. We have so many pollinators, butterflies and birds, including a hummingbird in our yard. I’m happy to report a vast reduction in the number of neighbors spraying their yards with toxic chemicals. It makes my heart sing when more people support and value the life around us. Below you can see just some of the flowers in bloom right now:
Gold finches especially love the sunflowers, shown here with blooming parsley, salvia, chives, purple kale, lobelia, and bolting lettuce:
This lime green hyssop’s getting ready to burst with purple flowers, but I love mixing unusual colored leaves into a vibrant display, regardless of bloom time:
Until next time … that’s the scoop from fragrant, soulful and delicious Dra’Faven.
Posted by eat2evolve on July 11, 2018 at 8:08 am
Love these photos so much – your garden is stunningly beautiful, Laura! And the setting as well. Perfectly magickal – I feel so happy for you!! ❤︎
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Posted by laurabruno on July 11, 2018 at 8:10 am
Thank you, Diana! We all love it here. One nice thing to come of this whole sidewalk controversy is more and more people appreciating our trees and landscaping. More people notice what’s happening on their walks; more people sense faery and tree being presence, even if they wouldn’t label it as such. Gratitude spills forth more readily, and people suddenly feel more connected not only to each other, but also to the world around them. Good times! ❤
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Posted by Eliza Ayres on July 11, 2018 at 8:21 am
Reblogged this on Blue Dragon Journal.
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Posted by Nikkoale on July 11, 2018 at 10:45 am
Love the birch, Laura! Speaking from experience with dead birches, they make amazing yard art. 🙂 And, yes, I have noticed through the years as the smaller branches fell away, there was less and less diversity in the species of birds that came into the yard. But, oh my, the magick that the birches brought. I have some of those shimmery photos, too. If you keep the tree standing, it will house nests, and the fungi that begins to grow will be amazing! It also seems that when I birch decides it is time to transition, nothing changes its mind. 🙂 And, I have learned, no worries… those birches are thriving, just in another realm. Blessings and Love, my friend! ❤
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Posted by laurabruno on July 11, 2018 at 3:18 pm
Thanks for sharing, Nikkoale! Yes, it did seem to make up its mind before we moved in. And, of course, you’re right, those birches are thriving in another realm. In this case, the realm’s not too far away at all, as I know is true in your haven, too! Blessings and Love ❤
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Posted by Tania Marie's Blog on July 11, 2018 at 10:56 am
everything is beautiful like you!
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Posted by laurabruno on July 11, 2018 at 3:19 pm
Awww, thank you, T! ❤
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Posted by dreamweaver333 on July 11, 2018 at 1:47 pm
Reblogged this on dreamweaver333.
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Posted by Kieron on July 11, 2018 at 4:52 pm
Inspiring! Say do you know if those Big Bag Beds can handle uneven ground? I have a couple boulevard trees that are on such uneven ground (roots, bumps, hillocks etc) that I cannot mow or trim around them without hurting the roots or damaging my mower. I thought a BBB would solve this issue, and look pretty besides. Thanks. 🙂
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Posted by laurabruno on July 11, 2018 at 8:48 pm
Thanks, Kieron! The Big Bag Beds can handle slightly uneven ground, but if it’s too much of a tilt, then it wouldn’t be good. If you put it over tree roots, then the soil will just mold to the roots, but you don’t want it tooooooo close to the tree trunk if you’re doing vegetables or anything that needs frequent watering. Otherwise, you could get the roots kind of waterlogged. It depends what you want to grow. Perennials could work well since they will develop deeper root systems after the first year. I’ve seen people grow hostas and other shade loving perennials under large trees in the BBB’s. 🙂
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Posted by contramimi on July 14, 2018 at 6:59 am
Reblogged this on Illuminations Now!!.
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Posted by Here Be Dragons ~ And Faeries, Too! | Laura Bruno's Blog on July 14, 2018 at 10:50 am
[…] « Garden Update ~ Life in Death and Flowers Galore […]
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