Author: Flower Roberts

My Morning Walks

| Flower Roberts

I take a cup of coffee out onto the deck each morning to walk and think.

I stroll back and forth clearing my mind and planning my tasks for the day.

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Flame azalea, Irises = Night Affair and Shipshape

Sometimes it ends up being more like pacing. Back and forth, over and over.

My cup empty, shivering in my pajamas, chilled.

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Single Peony

There are concerns. There are worries. I try to get these out of the way.

I took my camera on my walk today, so you could see what I see this spring morning.

I am surrounded by all this beauty.

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Krinkled White Peony

You are gardeners. You see the evidence of years of work.

This has been my oasis and my prison.

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Cardoon

I am still busy and useful and needed, but…

It seems so froufrou to be posting flowers during a pandemic.

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Fallopia ‘Varigata’ Persicaria Reynoutria(in a pot), NEVER PLANT THIS IN THE GROUND

That’s why I stopped blogging for a bit.

I was ashamed.  I was unnecessary.

But I was told that my posts were missed and my blog was needed.

So forgive my frivolous folly.

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I cannot save lives like my medical friends, but I can grow flowers.

I can share beauty.

I am not what I wanted to be, but this is me.

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Love Flower

 

Helping Another Mother

| Flower Roberts

One of my flying friends chose to build her nest in a precarious place.

I noticed the mud on the concrete first. Then little scraps of moss and grass.

I wanted to tell her this was not a great place, but she was very determined.

I placed a metal plate on the deck above her nest, so we would avoid that spot when we blew off the leaves and pollen.

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I also knew that the beam her nest is on is in line with drips from the roof. That is where I set out my houseplants when it rains. I guess a bucket will go there now. Can’t let our nest of mud get wet!

Yesterday, I climbed a ladder while the parents were absent.

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I held my camera over my head hoping to photograph eggs. Then I saw something tiny move.

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Yes folks, I am a grandma again.

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So I spent my Earth Day doing what we all should be doing, helping Mother Nature.

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HAPPY EARTH DAY

Grandma Flow

 

A Visit from my Gran

| Flower Roberts

I have had some consolation in my isolation.

I have been determined to make masks for my family.

I got my supplies ready only to discover my sewing machine was broken.

I mentioned this to my dad yesterday. He said he had one in his shop.

We pulled out an old dusty case from under a workbench.

This morning I opened it to find a treasure beyond measure.

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My Gran’s machine is darling. I squealed with glee for the first time in weeks.

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My great grandmother taught me how to sew when I was young.

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We cut patterns out of newspaper and made doll clothes.

I sat there delicately touching the machine and feeling connected to these two women.

They lived through plague and wars. They supported their families. They managed.

So I will be sewing with my Gran and my great grandmother for a bit.

I don’t feel so alone now. They are with me. I have the skills they taught me.

I am grateful for the past coming for a visit during this tumultuous present.

What a gift!

Flower

Popping in with Star Double Pop Star

| Flower Roberts

We are fine. Much has transpired. Staying safe is not easy. Please follow precautions.

I wanted to share this gorgeous dianthus from the fairy garden.

It is magical!

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This is Star Double Pop Star Dianthus.

This is its second year in this location.

It seems to be very happy here.

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I hope all of you are able to stay well.

Wash hands, wear a mask, social distancing, stay home…you know the drill.

I miss us.

Flow

Dear Followers

| Flower Roberts

I will not be posting for a while.  I do not want you to be concerned.

I have other necessary tasks at hand.

I want you to know how important you have been to me these past years.

There is a reason for my garden. It came from pain.

My home has been a beautiful prison. My daughter’s epilepsy was its bars.

She is seizure-free now, but damage was done to us both.

I grew where I was planted. I had a secret garden that no one could see.

We live among woods, down a long drive, inside a gate along a river.

I shared my garden as the Flower with all of you so someone else could enjoy it.

My connection with nature always gets me through hardships. It will again now.

I will NOT be watching the television. I know what is going to happen.

My dream was to be a disease cowboy like Joe McCormick.

I have spent years studying diseases.

I was almost killed by my Smallpox vaccine as a baby. Vaccines were different in 1962.

Serum (IgGs/IgIV) from the Red Cross saved me. My dad tells the story often.

I wanted to go out in the world and save strangers from transmittable diseases.

Instead, I have been home saving my daughter from another type.

I will continue to find solace in my garden.

It is blooming profusely right now despite the weeds.

I WILL BE FINE. I know how to stay safe.

Take care of yourselves my precious followers. In a way, you saved me. Thank you.

Flower

Sweet Betsy

| Flower Roberts

This plant was sent to me by one of my first garden blogger friends.

I will think of her every spring when it blooms.

Sweet Betsy’s scientific name is Trillium cuneatum.

Sweet Betsy, Trillium cuneatum

It is also called toadshade because of the mottled coloration of its leaves.

It is thriving under the fig tree. Thanks Marian.

Flower