GBBD Sept 2011, The Garden in Context

"Language is not merely a set of unrelated sounds, clauses, rules, and meanings; it is a total coherent system of these integrating with each other, and with behavior, context, universe of discourse, and observer perspective."

Kenneth L. Pike

See my garden in  the context of where I live. Diamond Bar, California

Well-trimmed Eucalyptus as backdrop

The population is diverse. The people are good.  In 2005, Hurricane Katrina did her very best to destroy a good portion of the US Southern coastline. The following Friday, 1,790 miles away, the children at Diamond Bar High School got on the phone. With more than a little help from their parents and cross town rivals at Diamond Ranch High School, they raised over $70,000 for the American Red Cross.

Diamond Bar is a diverse community. Perhaps it is the cross-pollination of cultures. Of all the things that grow in Diamond Bar, it is children that we grow the best.

I am a great believer in gardens with plant diversity. Yes, it is more work. But isn't the work required a hallmark how worthwhile an achievement is judged?  I don't garden to have a space to ignore. I garden to interact.

This is what a monarch sees close up.

This is what the human eye sees.

At this cusp of autumn, commuting caterpillars crowd their favorite lanes up the stems of butterfly bush.  

Succulents, lantana and roses

 I am not a big talker. I am a writer. And when the keyboard is resting my finger's voice, if it is daylight you will likely find me outside writing my beliefs in the garden.

Rose Lantana

I believe that every color is beautiful. In humanity and plants.

Choose your plants like your friends. For their strengths.

Queen Anne's Lace

But don't forget to hold precious delicate beauty. A drop of impracticality cures rigidity.

Thank you to Carol May for hosting this month'sGarden Blooming Blog Day Open Garden Tour.