In memory of Pat, our dear friend, mentor, and first client, we gifted Amaryllis bulbs this Christmas. Pat especially liked red flowers. Brilliant, Cardinal-red Amaryllis blooms seemed a beautiful way to honor him.

It truly has been a delight to watch the shoots and then the flowers appear in blazing color on my window sill, against the rather colorless winter background outside. And all with no help from me, other than placement in a sunny location!

Aren’t plants wonderful, in all of their amazing varieties, colors, and textures?

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& happy Amaryllis owner!)

While we don’t sell Amaryllis bulbs, perhaps we can plant some vibrant color in your garden this year. Interested? Please give us a call–we specialize in bringing joy to gardens (and their owners) all across south-central Pennsylvania, and beyond.

“There’s just something beautiful about walking on snow that nobody else has walked on. It makes you believe you’re special.”

~ Carol Rifka Brunt (contemporary American novelist; 1970-)

And walking on snow through a snow-clad grove of Pines strengthens the belief . . . !

Shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& snow-walk participant)

Resolving to stay healthy in the new year, James and I are pulling on our winter boots and getting outside to walk around our property, regardless of the weather!

And in the process, Winter and I are getting better acquainted and I am once again enjoying this wildly unpredictable, bi-polar season of the year! My previous perception of Old Man Winter was prejudiced, determined by the snow storms that interfered with my schedule and the salty slush that messed up my floors; I’ve rarely chosen to experience, much less enjoy, Winter.

Recently, however, James and I are crunching through ice-crusted snow or squelching through snowmelt–often in moonlight–tracking Orion’s climb across the heavens, passing beneath the rustle of wind-tossed Pines, and running up the rise to stand breathless and awed under the stars. By allowing myself to experience–and be OK with–biting cold and slippery surfaces, I am beginning to recognize and appreciate the beauty in this harsh, bone-numbing season–in the naked tree-silhouettes against the sky, the lonely cry of a hawk rending the silence, the whoosh of ice crystals against rocks, the diamond-sparkle of fresh snow in sunlight.

Winter slaps me in the face, waking me up to the stark beauty in the landscape, in the overarching sky, in our garden. It makes me feel, notice, hear things I wouldn’t attend to if I were comfortable. Winter reminds me that, in every season, there is unrelenting joy and beauty to discover if I will just go outside with eyes, ears, and heart wide open.

Joyfully contributed by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& exuberant Winter wanderer)

I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, “go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.”

~ Lewis Carroll (British author, poet, and mathmetician; 1832-1898)

Maybe?

Shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

~ Martin Luther King, Jr. (American Baptist minister, activist, and leader in the Civil Rights movement; 1929 – 1968)

On this day, as we remember the life and courage of Martin Luther King, may we be inspired by his example to be bearers of light and love in our own spheres of influence.

Shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (with gratitude for light-bearers like MLK)

He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.

~ John Burroughs (American naturalist, conservationist, and writer; 1837-1921)

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& winter wonderer)