I am grateful to share my Natural Wonderings/Wanderings. I write them as time and spirit allow. The idea and title were conceived one day many years ago when exploring outside with my young family. It would be quite a few years more before I began writing them in 2008. There are many connecting points over the years in observations of nature, life, and seasons. One for me is a strong sense of home-place, specifically in our little corner of the world here, in Southwestern Ohio. This sense of place helps carry interrelatedness over time and retains a comforting, familiar thread over endless variations within the cycle of nature and life.

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In latest winter, when the world is gray, my spirit longs for sun and spring. Grace arrives with snowdrops nosing up through blotchy snow, and soon, tiniest blue flowers, like wishes come true, sprinkling the greening grasses.

In the parade of spring, thin green blade-like leaves herald the timid crocus. getting bolder in the gathering light, beginning to show off spring colors of lavender, white, and yellow. The forsythia blooms butter yellow. Stepping into the dance,  the daffodils and sweet-smelling jonquils, colors ranging from salmon to white to the brightest yellow. I like to name them, fun names like Sweet Smiles and Pipit.

My flowers give added joy by reminding me of the gardening friends who gifted me.  Here are Iris from Becky, Woodland Poppies from Cindi, and ferns from brother-in-law Kurt.

Sometimes, I covet the brightest fire engine red, and nothing shouts “ red” like red tulips. The clumps of 5 -10 planted around the yard last fall don’t disappoint. These make my heart ache, their beauty reminds me of my mother, who loved red and wore it so well.

In the spring shade garden, spring marches on.  Pink Bleeding Heart is sending its perfect packet of flowers in greeting beneath a single sky blue Virginia Bluebell.  Pushing up from the ground and unfurling are a host of Hosta.  Lining my basement steps, Solomon’s Seal quietly exhibits nodding, shy little white bells that march in neat rows up the underside of stems. In shadiest corners, ferns are beginning to unwind their tight little green balls as the False Forget Me Nots are sending up whorls of heavenly blue. Creeping low, is Wild Ginger with perfect, heart-shaped leaves. I will keep an eye out for its unusual blossom, spotted brownish red, and hugging the ground so close it is hidden unless you know to look.

Where the sun is more plentiful, Iris are sending up stately buds.  In late April, the first one, deep purple, has bloomed. What is it about Iris?  They have presence and class, like ladies of a certain age, elegantly dressed and perfectly accessorized.  Nearby,  the Poppies are sending up Egyptian-looking shoots wth curving, graceful necks and bobbing fuzzy oval grey green buds. Poppy flowers are garden standouts, in the brightest orange, large and fragile, their petals resembling crinkly crepe paper.. They look so fine paired with the tall, lovely, brilliant, white Iris.  Did I mention their smell?  Please! Stick your nose right in one and inhale the freshness of springtime, with a definite hint of lemon.

A new Iris, gleaned from a friendly, roadside gardener,  bloomed sunset orange this year. For two springs, I have patiently waited for it to grow strong enough to flower.  For just such occasions, I carry a small shovel in my car for roadside stops.  I hear memories of my kids’ voices,  “mom,  are you allowed to do that?

My garden gives me buckets of delight and beauty that is a pure gift from God, helped along by neighborly friends.

It rained yesterday. The bright orange Poppy petals litter the sidewalk like crepe paper after a party.

It is a party!   It’s Spring! 

Elizabeth (Schickel) Robinson has always lived in Loveland, married and raised a family here. Family, faith, service, community and creativity are most important to her. She is an artist driven to notice and bring beauty to others including creating commissioned works of art for hospitals and churches. She cares about our culture and wants to build opportunities for community and connection to God, each other and creation. She recently retired as a Registered Nurse at Cincinnati Children’s where she was privileged to care for patients and their families. She strives to live with her eyes wide open, seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary in life and nature that surrounds her.