Gerbera Daisies 'Terra Cotta'
Having only just planted most of my containers, there’s not a lot in full bloom on the deck yet, but these ‘Terra Cotta’ Gerbera daisies are a sunny spot, indeed…despite a forecast of five days of rain ahead.
For this June 1st Muse Day, I decided to re-post one of the first articles I had published, way back in the late 80′s. It was an opinion piece that carried with it not only a byline, but a pay cheque, and though hardly an epic piece, I still remember the thrill of having “been published”. The sentiment of this piece still holds true for me — June is one of my very favourite months.
* * *
“And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days…”
Poet James Lowell’s words exemplify the very essence of June — a month of abundant life and near perfect days.
Earth’s strained rush to rejuvenate herself is over. Greenness abounds and a lush tranquility claims the land. Rivers and streams which roared in April and May now calmly bubble and whisper.
Spring’s blustering winds have been reduced to welcome, sighing breezes. The frenzied chorus of spring peepers which was so boisterous in May has relented, and the indignant harumph of the bullfrog now echoes leisurely at dusk. Baby birds have hatched, fruit blossoms have faded, and trees and shrubs are at their finest.
Gardens have long since been released from a winter of rest and the air is full of the expectant buzz of bees. The fat, blundering June bug also heralds June’s arrival.
June is a whimsical mixture of endings and beginnings. In early times, June, named for the Roman goddess of marriage, was considered the best time for nuptials, and today is still a popular month for weddings.
June brings the school year to a close and the start of a long-awaited summer vacation. Graduations are held in June, as well. It is a time of fond farewells — to friends and to childhood — yet, it is a time rich with hope and promise, signifying the beginning of a new phase of life.
Spring expires in June and summer is ushered in. Unlike fickle May, June brings the promise of warm days and clear, star-filled nights. Summer cottages are unlocked; picnic hampers and barbecues are brought out of storage. Lawnmowers drone lazily in the distance on sunny Saturday afternoons.
June comes quietly and bids us to acknowledge and appreciate the fruits of spring’s labor — to see again green meadows touch turquoise sky; to seek the softness of new grass and the fragrance of flowers; to feel the sun’s warmth, still tempered by cool breezes before the onset of July’s heat.
June, indeed, brings perfect days and with them, the reassurance that the pleasures of summer are not far off.
#
Garden Bloggers’ Muse Day is hosted by Carolyn at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago — won’t you join in?
