INSPIRATION: Still Life

My mother has always had a love of gardening. As children she taught us to appreciate flowers and all growing things. She would set aside a portion of her flower beds so we could plant whatever we wanted. And boy did we! My sisters and I would plant seeds from every packet she gave us. Our little garden plots were organized chaos, but we loved them.

She has her personal favorites that she plants every year, but will search for new options to add. Her selections create an explosion of color in her garden. Sitting on her patio surrounded by all the floral displays is a truly peaceful and relaxing place to be.

Indoors throughout her home, she displays vignettes of small vases and decorative pots brimming with flowers from her garden. Always special treats to admire, no matter what the season. In the spring and summer, she will use flowers of the season. And in her fall and winter arrangements, she’ll use twigs from shrubs with colorful berries, or sprigs from fir trees with pinecones.

The other day we popped over to her house for a visit. And after we said our hellos, but before we even had a chance to sit down, I noticed a small pitcher on her coffee table filled with zinnias. I said, “Hold on a second, I have to get a few shots of this pitcher.”

My mother smiled and sat down, as she has become quite used to me doing that. I took the pitcher outside and placed it on her patio, still wet from the early morning rain. Doing a quick set-up, I managed to find the best composition and take several photos before it started raining again.

After ducking back inside, we looked out her sliding glass door and were able to enjoy the garden in it’s full glory…without getting wet.

Good garden again this year, Mom.