Peony's Envy

A quick review of history shows that peonies have been cultivated in China for over 2000 years and for many centuries they have been used in medicine, in art, and in gardens.  In the garden they have long been admired for their ornamental qualities.  Peonies are regarded as symbols of good fortune, compassion, prosperity and romance.  We all know better but yet it is easy to see why “Peony’s Envy” can take over one’s life.

When you think your collection isn’t as big as your friend’s;  it is easy to harbor unhealthy thoughts and have “Peony’s Envy”.  There is no sure cure.  A gardener may think that getting a bigger patch of the plants will satisfy the need to feel superior, but someone is always going to have an even bigger patch of peonies.  On and on it goes – “Peony’s Envy”.

My recommendation for a cure is to enjoy what you have.  Stop comparing yourself to others.  What you have works for you.  Looks great.  Has that certain something.  Appreciate all you have.  Others no doubt have even less.  You will never have the biggest, and I think it is realistic to say, you won’t have the smallest collection.  Envy can only cause heartache.  Get over it,  get on with it.

What is posted here today is a representative overview of some of the peonies growing in the Gardens at Waters East.  Not the biggest collection and not the smallest – just right for this garden.

NOTE:  All photos use in this posting were taken on the property of Gardens at Waters East.

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BLOG SHOTS #29

Each month Gardens at Waters East (GAWE) will post a few never before seen photos of “garden life” called - - BLOG SHOTS.  Here are the photos for this posting.  I don't know about you but I needed a reminder of Spring & Summer.  Enough of Winter already!!!!!

moments in the garden - - enjoy

Daylily ID:  MK #8

Barberry - Crimson Pygmy

Nepeta foassenii - Walkers Low

Native Primerose

Asian Garden

with view of Lake Michigan

 Geranium - Johnson's Blue

Lichen

on Lily Path bench

Red Phlox

Russian Sage

Reference Note:  For a complete list of the ten (10) Principles of Design plus the special “Golden Principle of Design” used throughout Gardens at Waters East, check out the archive postings for November 14 – 24, 2010 and May 2, 2011.

Sunrise in July

NOTE:  All photos use in this posting were taken on the property of Gardens at Waters East.

If you wish to email a message or share photos of your garden

please do that through this Blog site or with an email to:

www.gardensatwaterseast@Yahoo.com

Seen & Unseen - Watershed #3

In a past posting - - July 2, 2011,  basic ideas with lots of facts were shared about watersheds,  especially the watershed for Gardens at Waters East.  Additional postings on the watershed can be found posted on September 9, 2011 and October 17, 2011.  All of these postings have interesting comments and photos.  All encouraged you to look at your own watershed and how it is being treated by others – and by you.

Cana Island Light

north of Gardens at Waters East

Ice Age Trail

six miles from Gardens at Waters East

Ahnapee River

twelve miles north of Gardens at Waters East

Often when you or I walk about, we discover beauties and wonders that take our breath away.  The Earth, your garden, places near and far have wonderful things to see and enjoy.  It is much that way here on the shores of Lake Michigan.  It is a paradise not taken for granted.

StoneWater Beach

private beach

Gardens at Waters East

Mink River Trail

one hour north of Gardens at Waters East

Cave Point

on Lake Michigan

one hour north of Gardens at Waters East

The photos posted today capture just a little of the life here in this watershed.  There is beauty.  There is awe.  There is appreciation.  There is “thankfulness” for all that is.

Khrons Lake

ten miles north of Gardens at Waters East

View over Sister Bay

one hour north of Gardens at Waters East

on Green Bay

Arial view of forward half of The City of Glasgow

built in 1891 - sunk in 1917

located in Lake Michigan close to shore in eight feet of water

one hour north of Gardens at Waters East

(photo by Jim Olson / Lefttern Photography) 

Many people, like you and me, work hard at being good stewards of what we have and that which we enjoy, of our small piece of Earth.  It is important always to remember that it is not just what we see, but also what lies beneath that makes our lands healthy or not.  Our legacy to our children and grandchildren is how we will be remembered.  How we care for the places we walk, the place we call home, the place we garden – will speak volumes to those who follow in our footsteps for generation after generation to come.

Overlook Bluff

Lake Michigan

Gardens at Waters East

There are many good people who are trying hard to pass on a legacy worthy of the noble creatures that we are called to be.  They point out things to be proud of, and things – not so good happening in our watersheds.

Ridges Sanctuary

one and one half hours north of Gardens at Waters East

Below are three of the many groups in this tourist area, who give their hearts to make the watershed for Gardens at Waters East – something to be cherished, respected, cared for, and given in love to those who follow.

Sunrise

September 9, 2011

Gardens at Water East

Check out one or the other.

Great information.  Great commitment.

http://kewauneecares.wordpress.com

http://wisconsinlakes.org

http://lnrp.org

If you wish to email a message or share photos of your garden

please do that through this Blog site or with an email to:

www.gardensatwaterseast@Yahoo.com