Harlequin

We’re into two weeks of Spring and the garden is a riot of intense Spring green and colour. A sight to behold. Quiet moments in the garden when no one is around brings a sense of stillness and calm. I can hear the birds and see shapes of trees and shrubs, organic natural sculptures. I suppose the best part of gardening or being a gardener is looking carefully at the plants and the green sanctuary around me, picking seasonal blooms for the lounge and dining rooms, to be enjoyed in and around the house, and knowing that I’m helping the plants growth, stimulating strong shoots for the next lot of flowering.

The garden at this time of year is beautiful. Early morning when the light is soft and gentle or dimming as early evening comes is equally beautiful, serene and tranquil. The garden is developing in a hap hazard kind of way. The lawn is big and weaves itself around the house, but there’s also a sort of playful inventiveness, and a sense of unruly wildness about it, and probably a similar kind of spirit in myself when I’m out working in it. I’m treading gently, softening it while letting nature bring it back to life.

I’m letting the garden and nature live in me, teaching and taking me way beyond my imagination with its unpredictability and changing seasons. A garden is about atmosphere; it maybe beautiful and functional, but it is the spirit of the garden that induces me to fall under its spell.

This past week I’ve had bursts of excitement. ‘Harlequin’ has popped up in the top boarder. She goes by other names such as Wandflower, Fluweeltjie and Sparaxis tricolour. The ultimate easy care Spring flower I know. Her happy blooms come in a vast array of vibrant colours from reds, orange, pinks, whites, and the best thing, is that she requires little or no care at all. She’s perfect for the top boarder, a stand out show. Bees and other essential pollinators love her. Her stems are long and tall with small clusters of vibrant widely funnel shaped flowers, with yellow centres surrounded by dark or black markings. Harlequin is a riot of colour. Named after the theatrical jester character Harlequin, her blooms are whimsical, just like a bright colourful costume. I was reading an article the other day about the language of flowers. Harlequin symbolises joy, playfulness, vibrancy and cheer, and her bright multi-coloured blooms bring a sense of happiness and light-hearted energy. The bold contrasting shades of the garden at the moment are full of life, enthusiasm and warmth, and Harlequin’s character brings a sense of lightheartedness, full of whimsical charm and enchantment.

Thanks for joining me up the garden path. Please feel free to ask a question or leave a kind word. I’d love to hear from you. Until next time.