Spring Lineup of Art in the Garden

Most creative efforts for about six weeks have been in the garden. Like most people, I adore flowers, food for the soul. We also grow food for the body. We get so excited when we see the first flowers, daffodils. When they fade my sadness is brief, as the next and the next show up attracting our and the bees’ attention. I can’t help but photograph them to share their beauty with you.

Daffodil drawing by Kathleen O’Brien

Phlox at Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

Lilacs, Mint, Columbine from Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

Pansies at Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

Dianthus at Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

Dianthus, Clary Sage & Yew at Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

We had a nice display in time for the Sunwise Celebration for Beltane. The studio was full  of participants glad to hear Fox Hutt’s wisdom about her approach to Spiritual Gardening. For the next event I will teach how to make Flower Essences, in early August.

Fox Hutt, Spirituality in the Garden talk for Beltane

At the event I was happy to find takers for the Sweet-grass volunteers. It is a precious incense plant burned to bring positive energy into our home. When it gets about 12″ long I braid it then dry it.

Sweet-grass to share from Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

Anemones at Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

Some of my favorites, we brought these Irises from Long’s Gardens in Boulder, Colorado. They have hundreds of varieties. I used to pick armloads at 50 cents a piece for my birthday decorating. I miss that! Here they bloom earlier. Now it is Royal Lilies that come to celebrate my solar return. What is your flower?

Peach Iris & First Poppy at Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

These salmon colored poppies knock me out! I got them years ago as an orphan plant in the Walmart parking lot. I let the seed pods dry to save the seeds.

Poppy at Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

I brought these Bleeding Hearts with me from Boulder 16 years ago, some flowers are a must to have. They are happy in the spare shade area.

Bleeding Hearts at Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

As I write this now, the Kale is filling the whole space and we’ve been eating the thinnings. Spinach, peas, beans, tomatoes, and squash are all coming along.

Baby Kale at Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

My most beloved area is the herb bed that grows through the winter. They keep us healthy. There’s the Royal Lilies behind the butterfly bath. When they are in flower they will be about 4 feet tall, adorable fragrance to boot. And there is the ever faithful guardian on his patrol.

Garden Guardian by Herbs at Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

The plan is to harvest the Elder Berries to make Sambucus syrup for colds. That is if I can get there before the birds.

Elder Bush at Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien

I love sunset for the beauty, the magic and the end of work for the day.

Sunset Spirit at Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary by Kathleen O’Brien