Saturday, February 23, 2013

Green Was Her World





Today couldn't have been more beautiful.

The sky was blue, the sun was shining, 

the birds were singing, the air was crisp, and 

a group of neighbors and friends gathered together

to dedicate a small neighborhood garden 

to an amazing lady we lost two years ago.





It's just a small plot 

where an oak tree towers overhead.

A daily reminder and tribute to an

incredible lady who gave of herself to 

family, friends and community.

We miss you, Gail!



I realize we still have a week of 

February ahead of us, but it feels like spring here.

A small patch of larkspur has begun to bloom in my front garden.

It's giving me hope of what's to come.



This is my first experience growing larkspur.  

These are from seeds that a friend shared with me last fall.

I planted poppy seed at the same time, 

but so far no evidence of poppies.




Larkspur is in the delphinium family.  

 In the Language of Flowers during Victorian times, 

 larkspur symbolized a pure heart and laughter.

 Both of these traits are characteristic of my friend Gail.

 It makes me smile to see them springing 

 up in my garden this week.



In early March last year, bluebonnets 

 were flourishing and blooming in my herb garden.  

 Only one small plant sighted so far this season. 


Mid February is the time to prune one's roses.

The photo above of my knockout roses 

 and blue plumbago was taken last spring.

 This bed looks pretty bare now, 

 waiting for the first flush of new spring growth.



So that's what I'm doing these winter days........

 waiting for my garden to spring forth in color once again.

 Joining
Seasonal Sunday @ The Tablescaper
 Sunny Simple Sunday @ Sunny Simple Life
Mosaic Monday @ Little Red House
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Blue Monday @ Smiling Sally
Cowgirl Up @ Cedar Hill Ranch
You're Gonna Love It Tuesday @ Kathe With An E
Pretty Things @ TwelveOeight
Tuesday Treasures @ Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Tweak It Tuesday @ Cozy Little House
Outdoor Wednesday @ Southern Daydreamer
Share Your Cup Thursday @ Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome Life
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Open House Friday @Bernideen's Tea Time
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Be Inspired Friday @ Common Ground
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

on

61 comments:

  1. KimberlyFebruary 23, 2013 at 9:17 PM

    How special, thank you for sharing.

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  2. KimberlyFebruary 23, 2013 at 9:17 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. DianeFebruary 23, 2013 at 9:19 PM

    Oh, Sarah! Everything is so lovely and I really appreciate the tip about pruning the roses. I am not a gardener, but I think I could do that, while it is still cool. I cannot wait to see your garden in the spring!

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  4. Moni - Zuhaus at HomeFebruary 23, 2013 at 9:24 PM

    Lovely flowers in your garden....thanks for sharing!

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  5. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleFebruary 23, 2013 at 9:42 PM

    So pretty and how sweet to honor your friend. I hope that pretty weather is here tomorrow. It has been cold and gloomy.

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  6. RonFebruary 23, 2013 at 9:51 PM

    Such a great way to honor your friend. All your flowers are so lovely. Have a great weekend.

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  7. The TablescaperFebruary 23, 2013 at 9:52 PM

    I'm so sorry for your loss. This looks like a perfect tribute to a very special person.

    - The Tablescaper

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  8. All The Pretty DishesFebruary 23, 2013 at 10:49 PM

    A lovely tribute to your friend.

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  9. Shabby Brocante, KarenFebruary 23, 2013 at 11:26 PM

    What a wonderful dedication to a giving woman. Your garden is beautiful. I love the Larkspur! I have some growth on my roses already. I can't wait! Hope your poppies "Pop" up! ;)
    Karen

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  10. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenFebruary 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM

    How sweet to honor your dear neighbor, Sarah! Your garden looks beautiful with the larkspur. I love your touches of blue interspersed. I love spring, too, with new beginnings and fresh color. xo

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  11. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasFebruary 24, 2013 at 12:48 AM

    Your pictures are beautiful and are so welcoming as it is still very much winter in these parts....

    What a beautiful tribute to yor friend!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  12. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryFebruary 24, 2013 at 12:52 AM

    How nice of you to remember a friend.
    Your garden is very pretty love all the flowers.
    I am also waiting for my roses to start budding and flowers to bloom. Can hardly wait. Planted 4 new roses bushes this year.
    Mary

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  13. Things and ThoughtsFebruary 24, 2013 at 2:03 AM

    Seasonal blooming flowers in your garden and so beautiful promising images for us!! Thank you so much for sharing !

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  14. UnknownFebruary 24, 2013 at 2:20 AM

    Hello! I recently just started a youtube Korean food channel, EasyKoreanFood, where you can learn how to make fast & easy Korean food! It would mean the world to me if you could check it out because I'm just starting out! Thanks!

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  15. LynnFebruary 24, 2013 at 4:34 AM

    A nice tribute to a friend Sarah! It's always exciting when things begin to green up and bloom-enjoy:@)

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  16. MaryFebruary 24, 2013 at 5:14 AM

    How beautiful Sarah! What a wonderful tribute to your friend and fellow gardener. No sign of spring here yet except for the daffies showing their faces. It's been gray and rainy here for a week, but the sun is supposed to return today!

    I ordered Poppy seeds and to sow this spring. I just found a wonderful link & post about growing them I'd be happy to share if you're interested!

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  17. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeFebruary 24, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    Oh so pretty. Everything looks really bad here, can't wait for all the flowers to come alive. Hugs, Marty

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  18. Carlene @ Organized ClutterFebruary 24, 2013 at 6:45 AM

    A very nice tribute to your friend, Sarah. I love the larkspur too. I used to grow delphiniums but they were always a aphid magnet. Treating them used to be a real pain since they were so tall. I will have to enjoy your flowers for awhile as spring is still a couple months away here.

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  19. La Table De NanaFebruary 24, 2013 at 7:28 AM

    How kind of you all..

    An honor for her..so sweet.

    It is far from Spring here.This yr we are wondering if it will come..:)

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  20. BabsFebruary 24, 2013 at 7:35 AM

    What a lovely garden tribute to a friend, and your larkspur are looking good. I've never grown those, but always thought they were pretty. Hopefully, your poppies will pop up soon. :) Now, you have me wanting to check out the garden center.
    Hugs,and have a nice Sunday.

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  21. Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com February 24, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    The only thing springing forth here is mud after the latest snow melt! :)

    What a lovely garden memorial you all created in honor of your friend!

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  22. LisaFebruary 24, 2013 at 8:07 AM

    So beautiful - this really touched my heart. Thank you for that! Happy Sunday from the enchanted oven.
    xo,
    Lisa

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  23. MaryFebruary 24, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    Such a lovely memorial to your friend and neighbor Gail - so glad the day was fine for the dedication.

    Your own garden looks amazing already Sarah, the larkspur is so brilliant with healthy looking foliage, and from seeds no less.

    I have so much work ahead of me in the garden but too early to start yet as it's been chilly and wet, although today is lovely with sunshine this morning. Perhaps later in the week it will warm up, my nasty cold will have gone, and I can get outside for a few hours to start on needed pruning first.

    Catching up on your posts I've missed - all of course are lovely and full of color and joy. My expedition to Antarctica was magical - not much gardening going on there of course but still amazing landscapes! Good to be home for a while - lots to get done in the next few months!

    Happy Sunday dear -
    Hugs, Mary

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  24. Patti @ Pandoras BoxFebruary 24, 2013 at 9:16 AM

    What a special way to honor your friend! No flowers here - we are still covered in snow! Last year I bought a poppy plant and was told it would not bloom after spring and it continued to bloom most of the summer - I am anxious to see if it comes up again this year (I do NOT have a green thumb and hate to garden!) So anxious for spring here!!

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  25. Linda @ A La CarteFebruary 24, 2013 at 10:43 AM

    I am ready for spring flowers! I was in Texas one year for the Bluebonnets and it made me so happy!
    hugs, Linda

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  26. On Crooked CreekFebruary 24, 2013 at 10:53 AM

    Sarah,
    Such a lovely tribute to your friend, Gail!!! Although friends may be gone from our daily exsistance, they are never far from thought and rememberance.
    Thank you for sharing such a sweet visual reminder of a loving friend with us!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  27. The French HutchFebruary 24, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    Sarah, the garden is as lovely as you said and a beautiful tribute to your friend. It's nice you can walk to visit Gail's garden. Thanks for sharing the photos.
    I see your gardens are teasing you with a few blooms, just enough to start thinking about the beauty of spring! I've never tried Larkspur but I think I will. I like to try new flowers every year. I think your rose garden is lovely next to the pathway. I think it's official, we have spring fever!

    Emily
    The French Hutch

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  28. Ricki TreleavenFebruary 24, 2013 at 2:40 PM

    What a lovely tribute to your friend Gail. We are having gorgeous weather today for the first time in forever! :D I can't wait to plant a few pots this spring, but I'm going to wait a few weeks. This will give me time to plan!

    xo,
    RJ

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  29. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeFebruary 24, 2013 at 3:09 PM

    What a special friend and how nice of you all to honor her memory this way! So nice!
    Hope you are having a great weekend.
    Cindy

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  30. FABBY'S LIVINGFebruary 24, 2013 at 3:56 PM

    Such a beautiful and lovely way to honor your friend. Thank you for sharing this loveliness with us too. Thank you for dear Sarah for coming by and leaving me such lovely comments. Have a wonderful week.
    FABBY

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  31. DebbiedoosFebruary 24, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    That was so sweet, and thoughtful Sara. We finally had a gorgeous Carolina day here today. Enjoying my in-laws while they are visiting and getting ready for our big trip to Ireland. All is good. XO

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  32. StitchforkFebruary 24, 2013 at 5:04 PM

    Lovely! And I bet your friend is smiling down on you!

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  33. ~Lavender Dreamer~February 24, 2013 at 6:54 PM

    What a wonderful way to remember someone special! Sweet hugs!

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  34. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2013 at 7:09 PM

    This is such a special tribute to your friend!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  35. podsoFebruary 24, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    What a beautiful tribute. Your photos are lovely.

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  36. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiFebruary 25, 2013 at 12:53 AM

    It is so nice that you all honored your friend with a special tribute plaque in a garden she loved.

    Your own garden is lovely, Sarah! It will be quite awhile before I see blooms here as we had over a foot of snow today. Everyone is very happy about it here, as there were worries about the drought.

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  37. Johanna GehrleinFebruary 25, 2013 at 1:19 AM

    Hi Sarah,
    your tribute for Gail is so nice. Its so sad to miss dear friend. to know that she cannot enjoy anymore the happy things we enjoy. But on the other hand. Who knows wheather she enjoys the happiness, we are all waiting for the whole life long? I wish she knows about her sweet garden. Would make her happy, too. All your flowers are so pretty to see. How I am crawing for spring. But snow has fallen here again. We have to wait patiently for spring. But I hope that all the flowers are preparing for spring while they are hidden from snow.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  38. eileeninmdFebruary 25, 2013 at 4:26 AM

    What a lovely tribute and memorial for your friend. I am sure she will be missed. I love all your pretty flowers, I am so looking forward to Spring. Beautiful post, have a happy week!

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  39. EviFebruary 25, 2013 at 12:29 PM

    what a wonderful tribute to a generous friend.
    Goodness gracious, flowers already!
    Oh how I envy you. Snow is still on the ground here.
    Sarah, have a wonderful week.
    Hugs from a still cold NY State,
    Evi

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  40. JacquelineFebruary 25, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    What a beautiful tribute! It makes one wonder if anyone will remember them when they are gone. How special that you would gather and remember!

    I sure wish my February looked like your February did - that looks like May here! What stunning blooms, it gives you hope!

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  41. At Home in English ValleyFebruary 25, 2013 at 4:12 PM

    Hi Sarah, We are months away from flowers in our gardens here in Chicagoland. We have to start inside to bring in a little spring. It is a lovely tribute to your neighbor, what better way to remember her than with a spot so beautiful.
    Thank you for the sneak peek on spring in your garden. Love, Penny

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  42. The HOME GIRLFebruary 25, 2013 at 8:44 PM

    What a lovely post and a beautiful tribute to your friend. Your flowers are absolutely beautiful! =) Have a wonderful week!

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  43. Entertaining WomenFebruary 25, 2013 at 9:17 PM

    I can only dream that my garden would ever look this beautiful. Thanks for reminding me about pruning the roses. I would have forgotten. Cherry Kay

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  44. AnonymousFebruary 26, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    Before you know it, the whole world outside will come alive. Then it seems as if April just zooms by. :) What a sweet tribute to your friend Sarah.

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  45. Kim @ French Country AntiquesFebruary 26, 2013 at 2:48 PM

    The flowers are beautiful and what a lovely tribute.

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  46. Judith @ Lavender CottageFebruary 26, 2013 at 3:20 PM

    Beautiful garden photos and a nice way to remember a friend.

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  47. Ann @ Corner of Plaid and PaisleyFebruary 26, 2013 at 8:25 PM

    What a wonderful memorial garden, she must have been a very dear person. Your flowers are gorgeous, we are a ways away from flowers here yet so I am enjoying yours!

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  48. JimFebruary 26, 2013 at 11:26 PM

    Pretty shots.

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  49. Judy BiggerstaffFebruary 27, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    Sweet tribute for your friend. How wonderful that you are seeing larkspur coming up. I am only seeing beautiful white snow every where I look. But am daydreaming about Spring.

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  50. HazelFebruary 27, 2013 at 10:34 AM

    This is absolutely wonderful! What a beautiful tribute to Gail!

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  51. Bargain Decorating with LaurieFebruary 27, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    Sarah, what a wonderful memorial to your friend - a place that will forever hold the memory of her. I always love seeing pictures of your garden. I wish I had a green thumb and the knowledge I need to make my garden as pretty as yours. laurie

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  52. LVFebruary 27, 2013 at 3:51 PM

    What a lovely and wonderful tribute to this special lady. Very well done.

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  53. Bella's Rose CottageFebruary 27, 2013 at 9:00 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    Lucky you to be having such great weather! and lucky you to have know such a lovely friend, a beautfiul tribute!! I love Pintrest and am Pin Friendly, thanks for liking:-)
    Hugs,
    Bella

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  54. EbieFebruary 28, 2013 at 1:00 AM

    Green was her world, and green was her thumb. What a loving tribute!

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  55. sweetbriardreamsFebruary 28, 2013 at 1:38 PM

    Such a lovely way to pay tribute to a dear friend. Spring is just on its way over here and the sun has finally made an appearance. Take care. Chel

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  56. sandyMarch 1, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    beautiful flowers and tribute!
    sandy :)

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  57. Steph's StitchingMarch 1, 2013 at 9:49 PM

    Loverly as my sister used to say when we were kids.

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  58. a quiet lifeMarch 3, 2013 at 1:01 PM

    what a gorgeous memory of a friend, so kind and beautiful. what a treat that you shared it, very touching~

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  59. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonMarch 3, 2013 at 8:36 PM

    Sarah, what a gorgeous tribute to a dear friend. I can think of nothing better to honor someone than a beautiful garden. Love the pictures of your flowers. I sprinkled Larkspur seeds three years ago and it has come back profusely ever since. I love it, but I have to pull some out or it smothers other plants. It is my birthday flower, so of course I adore it! I can see it coming up all over now, but it will not bloom until May. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  60. The Charm of HomeMarch 7, 2013 at 10:31 AM

    What a gorgeous plant. Beautiful tribute! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  61. Confessions of a Plate AddictMarch 7, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    What a beautiful tribute to your friend, Sarah!...hugs...Debbie

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.