As I go about my solitary work I often will play music. One of my favorites is Priscilla Herdman's, "Daydreamer". It is dedicated to all daydreamers of all ages. All thirteen songs are treasures. Lately my favorite one is called, "Water From Another Time". I find I hum it while out in the gardens.
While deadheading the iris that came from my parents gardens, the chorus from this song was in my mind. These iris were, water from another time.
My Father had dug them from his childhood home.
My Grandmother had dug them from her childhood home.
Gifts from my Great-Grandmother. They are old fashion iris. Not the big bearded variety but more of a wild iris. Delicate and so beautiful to me. I have them growing in three different locations just in case something would happen to one one stand I would have the other stands to divide and share. I have shared these with our son and some friends. I have read how when people came to the new world they brought with them cherished pl
ants and bulbs and seeds. Immigrants brought their seed boxes with them.I keep one of my Great-Grandmother's iris on my desk during their bloom time. For me it is a blessing from another time.
I grow other iris too. Divides from other gardens. It is what gardeners like to do. We like to share plants. As I care for these flowers I think about these kind people. People with seeds in their pockets. We can not eat these flowers. I care for these old varieties so that they are here for the next generation.
I grow many Heirloom plants. There are several nurseries that are dedicated to organic heirloom seed and plants. My favorite is Seed Savers Exchange.
www.seedsavers.org
Last summer my husband and I took a trip to Decorah, Iowa, so we could visit Heritage Farms. This is where the seeds are grown for more seed. Seeing gardens that are seed to seed gardens was inspirational. The Lillian Goldman Visitors Center was built by Amish craftsmen. This oak post-and beam framed building is built without nails. It is gorgeous.
3 comments:
It is so nice to share with you the glories of the garden! I am one who treasures! Your comments are such a treasure. Thank you.
hello q!
i am so glad that you have started this blog. i know you have many books you will someday share with the world, but until then this little insight into your world will be my inspiration. you are so sweet and magical. reading about your plants and your recipes and your love for your family made me cry. thank you so much for sharing yourself with me and with others.
kelly
What is beautiful to me usually has some aspect of the past connected to it. Tapping into the aspect of the Grandmother, the wise woman, is important to me. Using quilts my grandmother and great grandmother made does give me an instant feeling of connection.
When I do not have something about that has come from these worthy ladies I go shopping for some piece that represents the women from the past. I just found some lovely embroidered napkins to use in July. The colors were right. The workmanship exquisite. My husband thinks they are too pretty to use. I bless the work of the neddle and the hand that put all those stitches together to create the lovely flowers.
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