It’s a regular ritual – I strap on my walking shoes, set out to “get my exercise”, then begin scanning my route with hawk-like observation to discover that plant that I’ve never seen before or spot the hidden garden of a yet unknown gardening soulmate. Sometimes I return simply sweaty and ruefully satisfied the fresh air and accomplishing my 12,000 Garmin steps are good for my heart. But sometimes I uncover a gem along the way, as I did today, and my heart always benefits from viewing the beauty of nature and the passion of gardeners around me.
While in my hometown of Macon, Georgia for a high school reunion, I took off this morning for a long walk in an area that I’d never walked before. I looked up to see the entryway to a home that hinted at being a botanical delight. Mr. Willingham, the homeowner, just happened to be adding a few new plants when I walked by.
After a few minutes chatting about the unique tropical plants at his entryway, he asked if I would like to see the rest of the garden.
What followed was a beautiful wooded winding walk through 35 years of gardening love around the home of Mr & Mrs Willingham . Even in drought-stressed, mid-autumn condition, this art-accented garden showed pops of bright color like Turks Cap and Butterfly Weed Asclepsias .
Along a sloping bank was a harvest of lantana for a hord of butterflies.
A hidden treasure of a garden, a delightful conversation with a fellow garden geek newly met, and once again confirmation that there are so many beautiful places in the world around me yet to be discovered.
So I’ll keep on walking.
How absolutely delightful! Being of a rather shy nature – with those I’ve not met anyhow – I would have admired the plants but would not have thought to stop and chat. How many opportunities have I missed? You have inspired me – I’ll not miss the next one 🙂
Thank-you Margaret! I’m continually amazed at the glimpses of beauty that are right around me. Enjoy the journey 🙂