A Surprise in the Garden Every Day

Mr. Mouse and I embarked on our green remodeling project about a year ago. We originally planned to start in April, right after the garden tour. We finally moved most of our furniture into storage in July. Since then, we've lived in the bedroom & kitchen, enjoying a romantic bed-and-breakfast experience. For 5 months already.

After a number of mishaps, the project now seems more or less on track. But scheduled completion time is January. So, just like Gail at Clay and Limestone, who writes about her remodeling experience here, there are days when I'm not my usual cheerful self.

But then I remember what I always write on the garden description I prepare for the garden tour: There's a surprise in the garden every day!

The rhododendron next to the large fountain is putting on an unscheduled display of beautiful blossoms. The native rhododendron, Rhododendron occidentale is also showing off a few more dainty white and yellow fragrant blossoms.

Yarrow "Paprika" is pretty in pink.

The slow-growing native grape is adding some fall color to the garden.

Correa (Australian fuchsia) reliably blooms in the fall into early winter, confused, I've been told, about the seasons on this side of the equator. The hummingbirds are, of course, delighted, but I also appreciate a shot of color as other plants start to fade.

And to comfort me because I had to cut down the Abutelon, so beloved by the hummingbirds, the Salvia spatacea (hummingbird sage) is offering just a few blooms. 

 A special surprise has been Venegasia carpesiodes (Canyon sunflower), which I bought at the plant sale and lugged home in the bike pannier, and which promptly produced a 2-inch blossom.

When I see all the wonderful surprises the garden is having in store for me, I feel peaceful again and realize that it's pointless to rant and rage. Much better to have a look around and see what else is waiting to be discovered.