THE NEW YEAR MOVES ALONG

Janus, the Roman god of gates and doorways, beginnings and endings looks both backward and forward. How fitting that the first month of the year is named for him and that the tradition of taking stock of the year just ended and planning for the new year just beginning has carried forward all these millennia.

As we move into February, let's also be mindful of the present. What's happening in the gardens right now?

For starters, the Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’ are the current shining stars. Their variegated green and yellow leaves are like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy, grey day. A member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), they are the perfect Xeriscape plant: drought, heat, cold, and humidity tolerant, and low maintenance. And yes, the yucca is edible, though we ask that you please refrain from sampling any of the yucca in the gardens.

 In addition to what you can see above ground, there’s an amazing amount of action happening below the soil’s surface. Microorganisms and wiggly worms are doing what they do best: breaking down organic matter, creating a healthy and nourishing environment that will encourage beautiful blooms from the yucca, lavender, yarrow, geums and catmint come spring, summer, and fall. Do take an up-close look at the garden beds and see what else you can spy going on.

Of course, we can't resist taking a look ahead, wondering what Punxsutawney Phil will see when he appears on February 2nd.

 

Season's Greetings from the Gardens

 May your holiday celebrations be full of joy and laughter.

May the New Year bring you good health, happiness, and peace.

Thank you for keeping the gardens flourishing in 2022.

We look forward to seeing you in the gardens in 2023.

Denny, Ellen, Judy, Kathy, Laura, Margaret

 

As we move into the holiday season, the refrain that pops into our head every year about now is, “Where has the year gone? The months have passed by in a flash.”

From a wet and colorful spring to an exceedingly warm and desert-like summer, to a fire-filled start to fall and hastening toward the cusp of winter, we now marvel at the clear, crisp beauty of the recent autumn days. As Albert Camus expressed it, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

As you prepare for the holidays, we hope you will think about how beautiful Queen Anne Avenue is with its twinkling lights, the camaraderie of holiday shopping, the warmth of being surrounded by friends and family, and the lovely gardens that add so much to the ambiance of the heart of our neighborhood.

When considering your year-end gift giving, we hope you will include the curb-side gardens by donating to Picture Perfect Queen Anne. Season after season, the gardens are always there to brighten our mood and remind us how near beauty is.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Denny, Ellen, Judy, Kathy, Laura, Margaret