A few days ago, the delicate blooms of Summer Snowflakes began to appear. A nice part about present is the ability to see subtle changes throughout the garden. Bulb gardens are one of God’s little ways to keep our eyes fixed and focused on things that truly matter. If we get too busy in day-to-day life, we might miss a flower bulb that blooms just once a year. Imagine if you miss it! This moment by moment journey of a bulb gardener resembles what God desires from each one of us…..to be truly present, with our eyes fixed on Him. What a beautiful allegory.
I received my first Summer Snowflake bulbs from a dear friend. Mia lived down the street from our family in a cozy little “Leave it to Beaver” kind of neighborhood. Our children grew up together, playing endlessly. The kids ran back and forth between houses, enjoying the natural world of a lovely tree-lined street with beautiful gardens everywhere. Mia was from Sweden and our parenting styles were very similar….natural. We had many bulb swaps and old-fashioned pass-along plant exchanges. Our little street was filled with elderly couples who raised their own children in the small 1950s cottages. It was a quaint and humble street. Mia and I were privileged to get to know the older generations on the block, and we enjoyed learning life wisdom from their unique perspectives. We sadly watched our cherished neighbors pass on, and the little cottages turn into McMansions. I truly cherish my memory-filled Summer Snowflakes from Mia, and think of those early-childhood days each time the Snowflakes bloom.
My second batch of Snowflakes came from a much different set of circumstances. A moment of sheer motivation and determination to salvage beautiful bulbs from their unfortunate ratty existence. I think the thought in my brain was “Omygosh! I *NEED those bulbs!” and I quickly flipped a quick U-turn on the highway. My husband says that my “super-human power” is to be able to spot bulb foliage in random places while driving 80 mph. Yet, most days I can’t even find my car keys. Go figure!
The bulbs were on the side of the highway, in front of a junky old fence. The owner was thrilled to give me a shovel and a bag to remove “the weeds” from his yard.
”Sir, those aren’t weeds. Those are bulbs.”
“Whatever they are, just dig ‘em up!”
So I did. Quite happily. It’s always nice to help someone out….AND salvage some Heirloom Bulbs!
The Summer Snowflake bulbs happily resided in the gardens at the flooded house, nestled comfortably under large pecan trees. After the flood, all bulbs came to the studio, being dumped anywhere an open space existed. The poor Snowflakes ended up in a full-sun, barren piece of yuk. Needless to say, I had been too busy in my own frantic world to notice (or nurture anything) in the garden. I tried to be present, but I was still on “salvage mode”, a necessary place to be but not a good place to stay. We all have those “salvage” moments, whether by a rescued flower bulb or stray dog, a time-consuming casserole that burnt to a crisp (or in my case, blew up), a failed exam, or a family situation that is simply falling apart. We turn our brains into “salvage mode”, to save what we can.
After a salvage, nurturing begins….and boy did my little Snowflake Bulbs need some love. A few weeks back, I dug up all the Snowflakes and relocated the bulbs to their “forever hone”. The bulbs now have morning sun with afternoon shade, avoiding the full heat of summer. The ground also has nice, rich soil that I have tended to for quite a while. A beautiful spot for Snowflakes in the garden.
Spring is a time for renewal, and I pray that your eyes may stay focused on what truly matters. If you are in “salvage mode”, I pray that you may see the beauty that awaits on the other side.
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore, my heart is glad…” -Psalm 16:8
Happy Gardening, my friends!
Love, Keenan @heirloombulbgirl
Heirloombulbgirl 