Juniperus Orphan

This evening while having a conversation with my neighbor I noticed a red haired boy walking down the street holding something I could not make out.  I said to my neighbor " Who is that red haired kid and what does he have in his hand."

It was my kid. He went to off alone into nature and came back a man. 

Well, this 10 year old man was carrying a juniper plant by the branches (ouch!) like he had hunted and killed it for the tribe. He knew I was going to be so excited. A plant. He says "Found this in the pond." It's root ball was exposed but still in the shape of the pot from which it was loosened. My neighbor commented that someone probably just tossed it out. Most people do not take in the plants I do. This one must of over wintered in the pot. The owners thought it looked like crap and threw it back into the pond like a disfigured fish. 

Fish. Well that is what it smells like. You can see in the photos that it is covered in sludge. I did not mind working the compost in around it with my hands but the slime I could not touch.

We gave it a great home in full sun. It will grow fast and be happy there. I know it. Welcome home.  Juniperus communis.

Spring Hopes Eternal and Hope Springs Eternal

Hope Springs Eternal.
 We plant our seeds and make plans. The idea of color ! and new life ! make me as giddy as a teenage girl getting asked to prom. The excitement, the flattery and then oh my the costume choices.

When touring my yard today I found myself full of hopes. I kept encountering what  I hoped  for. Was this plant going to return was that one going to live. It is the first day of Spring and things need more time but I had a litany going.

 Mother of Sweet Woodruff transplanted into dry shade, Pray for us.
Father of Fothergilla bought on sale, Pray for us.
 in Latin
 Mater Galium odoratum, ora pro nobis.

My feelings of Hope Springing Eternally had evolved into feelings of Spring Hoping Eternally. My giddy plans were sounding more like a heavy rescue mission.  

 In difficult situations I hold onto to hope. I surrender with a degree of peace that a difficult situation, beyond my control, will become easier.
I "wait in joyful hope".

 WAITING

 How do I find peace in waiting. Where is the joy in that ? I know I must surrender. I light a candle and give it to God, the Universe, Spirit, Ether whatever. I let go and I am able to see the things that once upon a time I had wished for and now I have. I even see things I never dreamt of wishing for, like that peculiar Hyacinth on the side of the house or my kids racing downhill in a wheel chair

We perceive flowers as fragile. I found this tulip in my yard. It survived months in the frozen earth and emerged just after the snow had melted.  It rose through sticks and mulch and speared through numerous leaves. We do not realize often enough that we are infinitely bigger that our challenges and problems.