June 6, 2013

First Flowers

So, JSM has taken to calling himself "Olmsted" when no one's listening. OK, well, I am. At first I ignored him, but now I've started to call him Olmsted, too! I never thought this day would come. It all started in 2011 shortly after we bought Little House on Brush Prairie. JSM was inspired by our blank slate of a backyard and a book titled Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted by Justin Martin. If you recall (don't worry, I don't expect you to!) we had just had 7 trees taken out by the most amazing acrobatic arborists in the state of Washington and our backyard was a muddy mess....

Our backyard March 2011

JSM was convinced that we could turn our backyard into a garden oasis and he set about purchasing plants in the most random fashion, from local plant sellers, Fred Meyer, Portland Nursery, any place he spotted something good at a price that was even better.  He would bring home small trees, plants, flowers, and herbs when I wasn't looking and quietly plant them in the ground (or in mismatched pots) while I was away. I usually responded to these new plantings that he proudly showed me with a, "why did you put THAT THERE?" Layering, he said. Huh? I'm certain I made him fell bad because I just didn't understand. I like my plants perfect and pretty, not placed at random. A redwood tree behind the hydrangea bush? No, thank you. Or so I thought....  

Fast forward 2 years and I finally get it. It's June 6th and we haven't even planted a single thing, but our yard is beautiful and JSM's vision is taking shape thanks to his hard work. (And his ability to just let it go in one ear and out the other. Bless him. ) As is the usual this time of year, Washington state is hitting it's stride and starting to bloom. Plants are shooting up at an alarming pace, covering the backyard with a swath of emerald green grass and our garden with lavender.....and pink, and sage green, and red, and white and rosemary. It's beautiful! Roses are opening, the Hydrangea bush is on the verge, and Tiger Lilies are sprouting full red leaves on top of spiny dark green stems. Calla Lilies are threatening to emerge, the Dahlia is growing, and the Redwood tree has one tiny little pine cone. JSM says one day it will grow to 300 feet tall and will surpass the 125+ foot Douglas Firs in our yard! We probably won't live to see that day, but I hope others will enjoy the fruits of JSM's labor. I know I will for the rest of the summer and hopefully for many years to come.











xoxo

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