It has been a while since I spent any significant time out in the garden. Truth is, it hasn’t been since the end of October when I planted the last of the spring bulbs.
We had the devastating Hurricane Sandy, we were on vacation for a week in November, it got cold quick at the end of November and then there was the tragedy in Newtown, CT. Collectively, these events kept me indoors and admittedly, a bit disinterested in all that was going on outside.
But that all changed today. I woke up this morning (after a day of illness for both me and my wife which was a lot of fun – but that’s a story for another day) with the sun shining bright and I felt an energy for the outdoors like I hadn’t felt in a while. It was a mix of enjoying what the garden holds this time of year and the excitement of what is to come in a few short months. With the holidays behind us for the most part, it was time to get back to garden planning and dreaming for 2013. Woo f’n hoo.
So I grabbed the camera, my trusty gray hoodie and wandered aimlessly through the garden. And it felt awesome! Cold and crisp, but beautiful. Invigorating.
And here are some pics from my little journey:
Blooms that were left on the plants for winter are always a welcome sight this time of year: 
As are the colorful stems of the Willow and the Red Twig Dogwood:
And if you’ve read this blog before, you know my love of ornamental grasses:
Even old,dying foliage is appealing now:
As is the subtle changing color on many of the evergreens:
Or the fabulous peeling bark on the River Birch trees:
Even the sign of anything “green” is welcoming with brown dominating the landscape right now:
Of course, it wouldn’t be my yard without those wonderful pools of water that are so common winter into spring:
Oh well, I can ignore those for now and focus on what looks good.
Good to be back and good to be back in the garden as well.
John
Glad to see you back in the garden. Let the garden help you heal from that unspeakable loss.
Nice to have you back John!
I think the whole continent has been in a state of shock. Getting outside and letting nature revive us is a good idea.
Glad your back! Your photos are beautiful!
Nice to have you back – hope you and your family had a great holiday. I agree with Susan and I think that this spring will be very theraputic for many. There is nothing really here in central ohio to look at except the white stuff altho I’ve read we’re to have a January thaw coming soon – woohoo! Personally for me that “thaw” can last into spring. For some reason your last picture really speaks to me. Reminds me of a large pond and I’m expecting to see ducks lazing on it. Happy New Year to you and your family