It is inevitable: CABIN FEVER. The holidays are past and ‘Ole Man Winter is left hanging around. Those of us subject to this twilight season, know that gray skies and bleak terrain are simply de rigor. Although I find great comfort in the “nesting” of this time of year, there are occasions that I just need to get out of the house and breathe a different air. Today was that day.
The forecast indicated temperatures in the mid-40’s and pure sunshine. It appeared that they got it correct. I jumped into my car and headed to one of my favorite spots: the greenhouse. As I strolled through this beautiful orangery, my eyes danced from plant-to-plant like switching partners at a polka. Color abounded. The orchids, bromeliads, and coleus were all dressed in their best. . Although I am merely an amateur gardener, I love being around live, blooming plants. In little time, my winter doldrums had dissipated. Vigor had replaced any sense of the blues.
With this new found energy, I decided to wander the adjacent gardens. In the spring and summer, this place can be quite a myriad of curious gardeners- all perusing the plants in search of inspiration. Today was an exception. It was quite quiet. Except for the occasional rustle of a scampering squirrel or flight of a startled sparrow, one could nearly hear themselves think. Only a handful of kindred souls were in the garden. The near solitude was magical. I began to discover parts of the garden that I would normally have missed. The grinning pan and lion head fountain were in clear view. The architectural plan of the garden could be easily seen and appreciated.
As I breathed in the crisp air of winter, my eyes shifted up. I spotted the sculptural shape of the barren trees which appeared as a painting on a near-cerulean canvas. Ah…”this” is nice-I thought.
Upon returning to my own backyard, I discovered the nandina bush was loaded with its winter berries. It was beautiful. Although the rest of the garden may be at slumber, this little plant proudly displayed the season’s best. With inclement weather on the horizon, I knew a little bouquet of red would be a bit of sunshine in my home. VALOR American Home’s Arthur vase was the ideal vessel to hold such.
With a trip to the greenhouse, a stroll through the garden, and a bouquet of fresh nandina berries on my table, a remedy for “cabin fever” had been found. I was ready to tackle another week of ‘Ole Man Winter’s company.
This was a Moment in America.
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