linenandlavender.net: "If you build it. . .

image by LeAnn, our garden, as seen on linenandlavender.net: http://www.linenandlavender.net/2012/04/if-you-build-it.html

...they will come."

I think the magical thing about gardens is that they take on a life of their own.

I mean, all I really did was put together a few plants, flowers and trees...and now I have this haven — this oasis in the middle of the city. I was really struck by this fact today. –All I had to do was set the stage and they arrived.

The French doors of my studio are open and I am sitting at my desk looking out to the fountain, I can see most of the garden from here.

The day started sunny, then a rogue rain cloud passed over and shared a bit of moisture with us.

This fellow was caught in the midst of it as he was taking his morning bath. As the rain showered down, he remained, continuing his grooming. (I think he considered himself pretty fortunate.)

Before I knew it, the sun was out again and the visitors increased.

Butterflies, bumblebees and long-legged wasps stopped by.

Hummingbirds and songbirds came to say hello and to peruse the blossoms or to take a rest on the garden bench.

In fact, it almost seemed as though an announcement went out:

"Hey! She's got her camera out today at 1720, stop by if you want some exposure." (This is L.A. after all.)

Truth be told, when I created this garden, I didn't really think about the "wildlife" it might attract. I love flowers and trees and designing spaces for people to enjoy and that's what I was thinking about mostly.

That's why it seems such a huge side benefit and almost, well . . . "flattering" really. Each time a new creature comes to call -or moves in- it is thrilling. It's like nature is giving a nod of approval to something I initiated. And really, that's all I did.

I am still in awe at the miracle of it all. –Just plant a seed and a beautiful flower will grow there one day. –Just stick that little sapling in the ground and one day you will be lounging in the shade of a mighty tree.

There is such a peace and serenity that comes from nature — a connection to the Divine at the ready.

In creating this little snippet of it here, I have reaped far more than I have sown, that much is for sure.

Planting a garden is like knocking on Heaven's door and what has opened up to me is far more than I had ever imagined.

all images my garden

linenandlavender.net

"I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance than I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn."