I just found your blog post by searching what planting zone Annapolis Maryland is. We just spent the last week with my in-laws who came all the way from West Des Moines to help us with our new-to-us Annapolis yard, where we landed after having lived on our sailboat for 6 years and where I dream of planting azaleas ☺️ it’s a small world!
These turbulent and unpredictable times have made retaining a semblance of balance and stability a daily challenge. Admittedly, I’ve never been a stoic or serene player in the past either. Political issues have always been a favorite pastime.
But I’ve been heeding suggestions from IWC contributors, about the mental, physical and spiritually therapeutic benefits of walking in natural surroundings. Amazing how many wonderful pieces of our life’s web has eluded me while distracted by the anachronistic material world. Even been snapping photos of plants and trees I formerly couldn’t be bothered to notice. Began concentrating on healthy food and enjoying kitchen life again. Heck, I listen to Julie G’s recipe show now!
Attempting to balance writing, meetings, protests and disgruntled anger; caused by everyday actions of elected lunatics trying to outdo themselves in extremism, isn’t for the weak hearted or minded.
I’m thinking the simple distractions and amusements, are what have always been the panacea for troubled times.
Julie, our moms would have had a lot to talk about. (What a surprise!) When my parents moved to Florida for a few years in the late 1970s, they had azaleas on their property, and my mom's photo albums were full of them. She was an avid gardener but, as you say, couldn't grow them in Iowa. Thank you for this essay....you've braided the nature of flowers and friendships so beautifully. And thank you for the terrific info session yesterday about Substack. ALWAYS so fun to create with you!
What a beautiful essay! I waited for more than seven years for my azaleas to show as I hoped they would here in Ohio- not as frigid as DesMoines. Finally, this year, they are spectacular. Interestingly, this year, I also let go of a relationship where we were in different zones. My heart is happy, and my azaleas may have known.
So true, Julie! And sometimes, it’s ok to find another flower that grows better in your soil/soul for this particular time in your life and gently let go of the past, appreciating what was once there.
Great to see you on the boat living out one of Richard's "must see and experience (again)" bucket list items. Looks fabulous! Just so you know though, I saw a pink (not coral) azalea blooming the other day. The tulips and daffodils are almost gone but I brought my first bouquet of lilies of the valley in the other day. Some iris are blooming. Mine are about to bloom. The peonies are filled with buds; soon to be blooming. The redbuds were gorgeous as usual and turning from their spring beauty into leaves to shade our deck this summer. Each place has its beauty but, yes, all depends on the climate that helps flourish or not. So sorry about the relationship you weren't able to wave your magic wand over; but, one never knows, maybe you helped them move on in a more positive way--one of those things in life we hope we help but may never know. We can only hope.
Beautiful. I’m planting my zinnias tomorrow.
I just found your blog post by searching what planting zone Annapolis Maryland is. We just spent the last week with my in-laws who came all the way from West Des Moines to help us with our new-to-us Annapolis yard, where we landed after having lived on our sailboat for 6 years and where I dream of planting azaleas ☺️ it’s a small world!
small world, indeed. We are on a trawler in Port Annapolis at the moment. What takes you to Annapolis?
These turbulent and unpredictable times have made retaining a semblance of balance and stability a daily challenge. Admittedly, I’ve never been a stoic or serene player in the past either. Political issues have always been a favorite pastime.
But I’ve been heeding suggestions from IWC contributors, about the mental, physical and spiritually therapeutic benefits of walking in natural surroundings. Amazing how many wonderful pieces of our life’s web has eluded me while distracted by the anachronistic material world. Even been snapping photos of plants and trees I formerly couldn’t be bothered to notice. Began concentrating on healthy food and enjoying kitchen life again. Heck, I listen to Julie G’s recipe show now!
Attempting to balance writing, meetings, protests and disgruntled anger; caused by everyday actions of elected lunatics trying to outdo themselves in extremism, isn’t for the weak hearted or minded.
I’m thinking the simple distractions and amusements, are what have always been the panacea for troubled times.
Well said!
Another beautiful essay, Julie Gammack. Thank you.
Kathi, it means a lot to know you are here.
Love the Azaleas 🌺 and dogwoods but favorite are Red Buds which I think grow in Iowa. Enjoy Annapolis 👍🏽
Yes they do!
Julie, our moms would have had a lot to talk about. (What a surprise!) When my parents moved to Florida for a few years in the late 1970s, they had azaleas on their property, and my mom's photo albums were full of them. She was an avid gardener but, as you say, couldn't grow them in Iowa. Thank you for this essay....you've braided the nature of flowers and friendships so beautifully. And thank you for the terrific info session yesterday about Substack. ALWAYS so fun to create with you!
We will always be intertwined!
What a beautiful essay! I waited for more than seven years for my azaleas to show as I hoped they would here in Ohio- not as frigid as DesMoines. Finally, this year, they are spectacular. Interestingly, this year, I also let go of a relationship where we were in different zones. My heart is happy, and my azaleas may have known.
So true, Julie! And sometimes, it’s ok to find another flower that grows better in your soil/soul for this particular time in your life and gently let go of the past, appreciating what was once there.
Great to see you on the boat living out one of Richard's "must see and experience (again)" bucket list items. Looks fabulous! Just so you know though, I saw a pink (not coral) azalea blooming the other day. The tulips and daffodils are almost gone but I brought my first bouquet of lilies of the valley in the other day. Some iris are blooming. Mine are about to bloom. The peonies are filled with buds; soon to be blooming. The redbuds were gorgeous as usual and turning from their spring beauty into leaves to shade our deck this summer. Each place has its beauty but, yes, all depends on the climate that helps flourish or not. So sorry about the relationship you weren't able to wave your magic wand over; but, one never knows, maybe you helped them move on in a more positive way--one of those things in life we hope we help but may never know. We can only hope.
You have a hardy azalea? Wonderful. I think the zones are warming up, too.