From December to March, there are for many of us three gardens–the garden outdoors, the garden of pots and bowls in the house, and the garden of the mind’s eye.   — Katherine S. White 

I saw this quote and began thinking of my own gardens.

The outdoor garden is mostly at rest. However, there is enough variety in the types of plants, shrubs, and trees that there is still plenty to observe. I have some evergreens – hemlock, holly, leucothoe, boxwood, and arborvitae – which add some color to the yard. The bare branches of my birch, maple, and willow trees form stick-figure patterns against the gray sky backdrop. Zebra grass, assorted irises, and other perennials that didn’t get cut back in the fall add some filler to the frozen landscape. What is in your winter garden?

My garden of pots and bowls in the house increases in population during the winter months. I have an assortment of houseplants, which are now joined by many small, medium, and large pots that live on my patio during the summer months.

These visiting outdoor plants are resting in my basement until longer days and warmer temperatures return. They include geraniums, ajuga, kalanchoe, spider plants, daylilies, ivy, and several others. Most of my houseplants were given to me by friends. Some I received in memory of family members no longer with us. All are very special and have a story to go with them. Do you have a favorite houseplant?

The garden of the mind’s eye is curious to me. There are many gardens to think about. Sometimes I reflect on gardens I have visited on vacations or on local tours. I’ve seen the most interesting wildflowers at National Parks in Montana, Wyoming, and Maine.

Other times I think about the changes I want to make to my outdoor gardens this year. Of course there are countless websites, magazines, and photos from which to gather ideas. My mind’s eye is often inspired by gardening friends who talk about their latest plant acquisition or describe a flower arrangement in exquisite detail. Where is the garden of your mind’s eye?

Until next time,

Lisa Murray