As best I recall, when we moved into our home several years ago the yard had something green in it. I think it was called grass. In a few years it was gone. Well a few green things remained, like dandelions. Yet I hardly noticed. Whatever spare time I find I prefer to get on my bike or see the family--anything but yard work. Eventually Joyce pointed out that we were deficient. The dirt patch in front was, well, embarrassing. Something had to be done.

Enter Katherine last winter. “Good bye lawn, hello woodland’s edge-cottage garden hybrid” to quote her exactly. Six months ago we bid farewell to “lawn” and planted whatever Katherine told us to plant. I dreaded it. Did I mentioned I like to ride my bike in my limited free time and that I am not into gardening?  But pulling weeds and fertilizing where required so I stepped up.

Katherine ever so politely suggested that our soil was pathetic. Fish emulsion and kelp—you get it in a jug—would help our little green babies. The nerve—we have to feed them! So we did.

And I must admit I have loved it! C. S. Lewis borrowed from William Wordsworth an expression I now use to capture what I am experiencing with the “woodland’s edge-cottage garden” now our front yard. I am surprised by joy—new life growing, the subtle fragrance of angel trumpet, the delicate beauty of columbine (a new favorite) and the blossoms of iris (always a favorite).

Summer arrived this week. School is out and baseball in. Vacations, perhaps a bit of travel and maybe concerts in the park (Memorial Park –free each Wednesday). It is a time for recreation. As I have yanked out nasty weeds (where on earth did all those palm tree shoots come from?), fertilized the flowers, tended this yard and sat on the front porch marveling at the blossoms something else has grown—a surprising space has been created in my life. It is a space—place of beauty and re-creation. Thanks be to God.

The heavens and earth declare the glory of our good God of beauty. So do the blossoms, bees and butterflies out front. Summer is a season for rest, re-connection and re-creation not only with family and friends, but with the One who energizes the purple Echinacea, the orange monkey flower (I never knew) and sustains the sage now gracing our yard. Stop and smell the roses this summer. The Lord would be pleased and you might be surprised by joy! I am.