I’d like to be a landscape architect when I grow up. Unfortunately, I don’t have the money or the time to do what it takes to live that dream, so I do what I can with my yard. When I moved in to my house, there were four Leland Cypress – two of which were diseased. Five years later, we have thirty or so trees, and three flowerbeds. I’m doing all the work myself, so it’s slow going. This spring, I added to a big bed in my backyard, and it’s astonishing how much pleasure I get from studying it. It’s a very busy little space frequented by birds, bees and butterflies. There’s a song sparrow nest and a mockingbird nest. The song sparrow babies have grown fast! The mockingbird is building the nest in my Nellie R. Stevens holly. I guess mockingbirds must be pretty hard-core to deal with getting pricked by the needled holly leaves every time they enter and exit.
Every evening, I have a group of mourning doves who like to sit around the birdbath and hang out with Buddha. The picture isn’t perfectly in focus, but I love the composition.
I love this entry. It’s such a lovely glimpse into the Niki outside of design, and yet I can see how your gardening influences what you do, and vise versa. As for your photo, the fact it’s out of focus gives it a softness that is like a painting. It’s so pretty, I want to go to there.
I didn’t retouch the photo. Initially, I considered using a softening filter to make the lack of focus look intentional, but then I decided against it.
Next time you’re in town, let me know – you can check out my work and give me some tips!
Niki what a gorgeous pic and lovely post! Looooove the mourning doves on the birdbath…whole pic is breathtaking. I would sit forever mesmerized by that sight.
Hope you are having a great day,
kajal
Hi Kajal!
I was hoping you’d see this post. You may have noticed that Buddha sits under a tree. The inspiration for his placement came from a picture on your blog, so I owe you a big thank you!
This is my view each morning as I meditate with one of your beautiful handmade malas.
I hope you are doing well and that your health continues to improve.
Blessings,
Niki
Serenity and peace is how I would describe it. I can feel it.
I wonder if Sookie likes to look outside at the peaceful scene while eating yummy things like Mike’s name tag?