Mystery and Majesty

The blooms of a beautiful Turk's Cap Lily (Lilium superbum) hang in splendor before a blurred-out background of yellow daylilies.
Unexpected Beauty
Little did I know when I pulled out of the driveway one recent morning that I’d soon run smack-dab into mystery and majesty.
I was driving along Yadkinville Road, intent on checking out possible photo opportunities at a nearby farm, when I glanced toward one of the private drives in the Sattsgate development. There, I saw a lady tending a large, beautiful patch of yellow daylilies. I thought, “Wow! I’ve never noticed those beauties before! I’m turning around to check them out.”
When I got out of my truck, I introduced myself to Mrs. Barbara Brooks, a retired nurse. Our conversation went on for at least an hour, as Barbara graciously showed me around the floral paradise that surrounds the home where she lives with her husband, Dr. Joe Brooks, a retired N.C. State horticulturist. (You should also know that Dr. Brooks proudly drives a bright red — really clean — pickup truck with an NCSU plate on the front!)
To enjoy MORE PHOTOS of NATURE’S WONDERS at the home of Dr. Joe and Barbara Brooks, please continue to the NEXT SECTION. CLICK for more Mystery and Majesty
My Mother’s Rose

For Mother's Day, a red rose signifies respect and undying love.
A Tradition
Here in the South, it has long been a tradition to wear a rose on Mother’s Day. According to tradition, if one’s mother is no longer living, the rose should be white. And if one’s mother is still alive, the rose should be red.
For this Mother’s Day, I’m thankful to be displaying a red rose in honor of my mother, who — like so many mothers throughout the ages — has always demonstrated unwavering love for her children. CLICK for more on My Mother’s Rose
These Hearts

The flower, Dicentra spectabilis, is also known as a bleeding heart.
Some hearts are cold and closed — but these hearts are tender and free.
CLICK to see more bleeding hearts
The Gift of a Garden

Bees enjoy the variety of flowers in Robin McBride's garden in Lewisville, North Carolina. Robin also grows herbs and vegetables in her garden.
Serendipity
Yesterday, I listened to a podcast that struck me as being wonderfully well-timed, not only for today’s post, but also for Easter. The program, Speaking of Faith, is produced by American Public Radio, and hosted by Krista Tippett.
This week’s guest on Speaking of Faith was theologian and avid gardener, Vigen Guroian, who discussed what gardening has taught him about life and faith. Guroian has a beautiful way of describing his observations, and he has also written two books about gardening: The Fragrance of God and Inheriting Paradise. After hearing him on the podcast, I have a feeling these books would be splendid reads. You can listen to the intriguing interview with Vigen Guroian by visiting Restoring the Senses.
Entering the Garden
Now, on to the lovely garden of Robin McBride! If you missed the previous post in which I introduced Robin, you might want to check out A Gardener’s Delight before viewing today’s photos.
Following are just a few of the many flowers/plants growing in Robin’s garden: Forget-me-not, money plant, camellia, rosemary, daffodil, hellebore, spring star, pansy, azalea, mustard, lilac, woodland phlox, grape hyacinth and gardenia. And believe me, this is just a partial list!
Photo Gallery
Without further delay, you may now CLICK to enter the garden of Robin McBride! Enjoy the photos — and feel free to leave a comment.






