Today marks twenty-five years since the World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon were attacked. It is a day that I will never forget. Since then, the turbulence in our world has continued in many different places by terrorism as well as direct military conflict. What have we learned? I am afraid to say, not much.
New buildings have risen over what has been destroyed. New hope sparkles as we move forward. There are many things that are right with our world. Our challenges and responsibilities are to do what we can do to learn from the past and move forward to a better future.
It seems like I returned back home to Selah, Washington from Doylestown, Pennsylvania just yesterday. It has been a little over ten years! The years have flown by so very, very fast. Throughout my life, we have developed personal gardens in each location that we have lived in. It all started from a little bed we planted with daffodils and tulips in Richland, WA. Over 50 years our gardens have evolved through eight locations moving from Richland to Seattle to Washington, DC to Kent, WA to Woodinville,WA to Doylestown, PA and finally back to my home town, Selah, WA. The journey has culminated in our little Eden we call Heatherwood.
The above image is from our patio looking over our lower garden to the valley and hills to the south. Nine years ago this was a simple pasture similar to our neighbors. Slowly we added lawn grass, multiple planting beds, and a lower patio. As plants, trees, and shrubs have grown it has matured into a multidimensional landscape. Each year we add a little more here and there. It is hard for us to believe how much things have changed from when I first moved in. The image below is what the lower property looked like before we started re-landscaping in 2018. What a difference eight years has made.
The Meadow and Countryside Beyond Heatherwood Late Summer
One of my favorite places to sit and enjoy our Heatherwood Eden is from our lower patio overlooking the meadow and the countryside beyond. I am at peace as I gaze over the waning colors of the meadow up to our neighbor’s freshly mowed pasture. The grove of trees on the ridge of the hill adds a spot of interest and curiosity. As I sit and enjoy the setting, time flies by and the problems of the world subside. I dream on what is right about our world rather than focus on the difficulties.
As I read the morning news on my office computer and sigh for all the turmoil that is going on in our country and the world, I turn to my side and gaze out the window. This image is what greets me on an early morning. It helps me change my perspective and think what is right about our world. I see the many trees that I’ve planted and nature has taken care of as they have matured. I look at the background hill and reflect on how it came into being. I compare the dry slope of the hillside and am grateful for the water that has been directed from the mountains that makes our little Heatherwood oasis possible. It entices me to go outside and mingle with the treats around me that nature has gratefully provided. Thank You!!!
I remember when I first moved back to Selah, the Selah-Naches Irrigation flume ran across the base of the hill above. It supplied the water for the Selah and Naches valley farms and orchards for around 100 years. It was one of the highlights that attracted me to this specific site for my new home. Alas, a few years ago the flume was removed and replaced by an underground pipeline. I miss the historic scene, but was able to build a little tribute to it with this section of the flume and planting area in the NW corner of Heatherwood.
Cherry Allee & Neighbor’s Pasture Heatherwood Spring
With all the turmoil surrounding us, it is important to step back and reflect on what is right about the world. What is better to be thankful for than a peaceful sunny late afternoon with a blue sky above. This is just the spot to relax and enjoy the day and nature’s landscape surrounding our home. Soon the blossoms of the Pink Flair cherries will fall. Leaves of the cherries and birches and oaks below will emerge. A little later, the planting bed between the cherries will be full of colorful perennials. Horses will be grazing in the pasture. You will find us sitting on the rocks dangling our feet amongst the flowers.
It pays to stroll through the garden every day at this time of year. New blooms burst out every day. In this case with our Akebono cherries, the glory of the full bloom only lasted one day. The temperature dropped into the 20’s the day that the cherries burst out in full bloom. The next morning the bright white blossoms were brown.
Garden strolls remind me to stay in the present and enjoy each and every moment. When I see something that catches my eye, I take the time to stop and explore it. I sometimes get close and touch the plant and feel its uniqueness. Who knows, tomorrow it may change.
My heart sinks as I observe what the Trump administration is doing to tear down our Democracy. Hope emerges as my faith in my fellow Americans holds strong. This was demonstrated yesterday during the third “No Kings Day” in our small rural town of Yakima, Washington. We had a large turnout in our very conservative community. As cars drove by, occupants honked horns, waved, and gestured strong support.
Our rural farming community has been severely impacted by the ICE roundups and deportations. We no longer have the work force needed to harvest our crops. Many small businesses have shut down. Several people whom I have worked with and befriended are no longer here. As we stand up and fight for what we believe is right, our Nation will survive. Our spirit with the “Lady of Liberty” will overcome and bring sanity back to our lives.
REMEMBER: “No Kings Day” is EVERYDAY, not just an event!
Spring started with sunshine and warm days here at Heatherwood. The Cornelian cherry dogwoods, star magnolias, forsythias, and early flowering cherries are in full bloom. The daffodils are right behind.
Spring brings new growth and re-emergence. It is a catalyst for fresh new thoughts and experiences. Enjoying new things in the garden helps me focus on what is right about this world. Positive thoughts are essential with all the crazy things that are currently going on.
Late fall and winter sunrises at Heatherwood are frequently spectacular. Many times I arise early in the morning when it is pitch dark. After a bit, a slight hint of light rises in the east. I see a trace of orange on the horizon. Soon the light spreads across the sky in pastel shades orange and pink. The hills and valley below are still pitch dark. Gradually, I can see dark shadows of hillsides and trees emerge. Then the sky bursts out in glorious brilliance of yellows, oranges, pinks, and purples. Mother Nature shouts out GOOD MORNING!!! Quickly the light spreads over the valley and the brilliant sky colors start to fade. It is a wonderful way to start the day!
