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The Artistic Gardener

Brooks Garten Hauschild

Blog #58 of 75

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May 15th, 2015 - 06:15 PM

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The Artistic Gardener

My joy of creating extends right out the cottage door & into a garden I designed, landscaped & tend each year! In fact, the majority of floral photography seen in my gallery was taken just steps from my studio door! It's the gift that keeps on giving, the endless bounty it offers: edibles, of course, as well as the visual, sensual, aromatic qualities & variety of, which are simply out of this world!

I don't know about you, but I get such pleasure from creating garden sanctuaries, complete with fountains, arbors, rocks & stones, perennials, herbs, fruit & nut tress, flowering vines on trellises, sculpture and more. My hands have been in every inch of dirt, planted every plant, placed each stepping stone and rock wall...and every year, come spring, my husband & I [lovingly] tend it once more. Not to say the big garden clean up isn't a pain, but once it's done, ah, what a relief!

Gardening is like a painting, for me, as in going with the flow. I never pre-plan a design, unless it's something we're building, like the herb garden border, a walkway complete with stepping stones & gravel or an arbor. Otherwise, I just start digging & arranging and, somehow, it all works out!

It's true, some of us like getting down & dirty in the garden more than others! I suppose I got the 'bug' from my mother who used to love to 'piddle' in her garden before she passed early in life, and her father, my grandfather, after that. It's good exercise, a great escape and also an extension of my desire to create something of beauty & watch it flourish, hopefully!

Of course, we have what I refer to as 'wild & scenic' areas on our property, as well, spaces with blackberry vines, large trees & things I don't want to 'manage' or tend so much. Otherwise, I would be more than a slave to the garden/yard than I already am! Such a treat to have a yard/gardens that offers up so many amazing photo ops, though. Like I said, the gift that keeps on giving!

Today, there is not a cloud in the sky and the warm breeze is fragrant with the aroma of lilacs in bloom! It's time to turn over & amend the soil in our soon-to-be [again] veggie garden. This year we're simplifying, only planting cherry tomatoes, zukes, green beans, peppers & cukes. Of course, we love our special little herb garden, the many perennials & annuals throughout [both in the ground & planters], along with a few fruit & nut trees and a host of flowering bushes. Pines, madrona & oaks are here & there, plus, every now & then, you will also find a bench or table & chairs to sit on and gaze about.

Here in southern OR, folks are into gardening in a big way. If they don't have enough room or land, they opt for a communal space, which are in abundance around town. One day, I dream of opening a community garden myself! We'd need a larger piece of property, though, and I'd have to start all over, gulp. Can't imagine that, but who knows? I look around at our yard & garden in amazement. I really did that? But, one day at a time, one shovel full, one stepping stone laid, one trip to scout for rocks, one herb box built, one arbor erected and, pretty soon, you've got something swell going on.

How about you? How does your rural or urban garden grow...even if it's only a few sumptuous plants decorating a patio, porch or terrace? Btw, check out all the ideas & solutions for those of you who want a garden, but have little space. It's amazing what you can do!

{Logo: 'Fruit of the Vine', as seen on page one of my gallery}

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Ashland, OR

Check out my discussion thread in the 'Community Forum' w/the same title, 'The Artist's Garden'! You're welcome to leave a comment, post an image and/or add some tips for other gardeners. We'd love to see you there!

Ashland, OR

Between the two, gardening & painting, I figure my hands are either in paint, dirt or warm soapy water, most of the time, which doesn't bode well for decorative nails & smooth skin! Hardly ever wear gloves, so I'm always having to remove splinters, stickers, cleaning my nails, etc. But, all the hard work is worth it to enjoy the 'fruits of our labors'. Never have had a professional manicure in all my years; what would be the point!? Lol.

Ashland, OR

Squirrels have been our #1 nuisance this spring, eating the young almonds, chewing up my gourds for seeds & hogging the bird feeder. Squirrel-y is right! That, and the neighbors' cats, as in plural. Love doing their business in our beautiful garden. Thanks, neighbor. Also, this year we've noticed a few pesky gophers. Not good. Plus, one night last week, a young black bear knocked down some fence slats & flattened an iron pole just to feed on the bird seed! Other than that, no drama!