Ever-Improving Path

Winston Churchill reminds us on this beautiful September Monday morning that “Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.”

As the summer starts to wrap itself up, is the climb over in our ornamental gardens yet? Far from it as a specialty Peony order arrived this past Saturday from Swenson Gardens. Mentioned in an earlier August post, Five Garden Tips Thursday it was duly noted that the time was upon us to order the bulbs and Peonies, at least if you wanted the cream of the crop.  And why do we love Swenson Gardens and their Peony Collection? Take a look for yourself.

Besides the rootstock being gigantic in size, how many nursery owners send a personal email after your order is placed, (during their busiest season) and remember you after several planting seasons go by, asking about your projects? It’s the whole package we look for– it’s artisan versus industry. And Swenson Gardens hits that artisan factor on every level.

Remember when planting Peonies to follow the planting directions as the rootstock must be set at the right height. Also, if you want to divide and transplant any Peonies, fall is the season based on your local weather of course.

So there you have it – Monday's garden message. There’s always room for excitement and the ‘ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path.’ When you see the possibilities that extend before you, it ‘only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.’

And one more challenge to add to your work week. Eat something local in your diet each day. It can be as simple as chopped basil leaves you grew in a clay pot with a fresh tomato you produced in a Topsy Turvy on your urban patio. Remember to enjoy the season and freshness of locally grown. And as always, it’s my frequent mantra to support your local farmers. Don’t let this breed die out. 

All Images by Ann Bilowz ©

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