In and Around the Garden

This month, in the post office box, was a copy of the March/April issue of Victoria magazine. Inside the slick pages, an article on Old Florida holds beautiful pictures of their Central Park. In the days when my husband, Joe, and I had vacation benefits, once in awhile we would take a trip. On these occasions, garden tours and beautifully landscaped accommodations were my favorite sights. Joe gravitated toward architecture and studying framework (he’s a framer) behind amazing structures.

Whenever possible, during weekend getaways we stayed at a bed and breakfast. They are quaint and homey and provide delicious breakfasts (for Joe), with simple yet elegant gardens (for me). Looking at the pictures and reading the articles in Victoria magazine remind me of those trips. Turning the page of the Old Florida article, I now dream of visiting Thuya Garden in Maine. No speck of soil appears as layer upon layers of lilies, salvia, phlox, dahlias, Malva, astilbe, and much more rise above the earth. Numerous flower shapes in shades of purples, reds, whites, yellows, pinks, and fuchsias drizzle on the pages from edge to edge. I want to be there!

While in Maine, I would go to Blackrock Farm (featured on the following pages) where one couple live off the land by sharing their abundance. Guests are free to roam among annuals and perennials, vegetable plots, and greenhouses. I would take one of the workshops offered, fill my camera with landscape ideas, and bring home a plant or two. Joe would eat!

There was a time when I wanted to be a travel writer. The road, however, took me in another direction. I’m content with the route. Still, if the opportunity came along, I would steer a bit to the right and head for a few travel assignments each year. Until then, I am happy to travel through magazines like Victoria where I can experience treasured gardens and flowers galore. Copyright © 2010 Dianne Marie Andre

Is there anyone out there who’s been fortunate enough to have visited these places?