It was an easy decision you see…
To see a great big, giant, huge sunflower bloom (oh, and tiny ones too), and say…
Mister Sunflower, you comfort me so…
And, you remind me of the one I love…
So, I will grow you in memory of Baby, and to comfort me, and to cast your smile upon the earth.
So, I have a plan, for these astoundingly huge sunflower trees, or so they seem to me…
Mister Lovee is 5 ft ,11 inches. (those are shadows on his back 😉
And, yes I will be in trouble for that photograph posted. But I wanted you to see, how huge the sunflowers are. Especially the extra tall one, in full bloom.
How did they get so huge I ask? The stalks are mind blowing.
Some even have lots of blooms….
Amazing, what a seed can produce. Isn't it? I sort of walk around the yard in shock. I made my parents come up and take a look. And, ooooo and aaaaah, with me.
So, I have a plan that I am really excited about.
And it quite includes you, in thought and spirit, that is.
But, before I tell you, let me take you on my rounds with me, so you can see that which fills my heart – and keeps me busy and healing…
Let's go to the other side of the giant oleanders, in the main front yard, and check on growing things, shall we?
Around the oleanders, and around the bench Mister put up for me the first weekend we spent in the country together (he engraved our love initials on the back. I fell head over heels, and never left).
We come upon a pumpkin vine, and my herby shopping cart.
Surrounding the shopping cart, in the ground, are onions, tomatoes, carrots, parsley, corn and all sorts of herbs. I used burlap and soil, in my shopping cart, and it has grown herbs beautifully, for 5 years now, in case you want to try it.
The basil in the ground (below) is growing in abundance. The dill and cilantro are doing really well surrounding the basil. Wish I could give you some through the screen…
But, just look at what is growing on that pumpkin vine I showed you above…
Squeal!
My first pumpkins of my life.
I am in shock actually. I can't believe they grew, oh blessed be!
Now, let's see if they survive the creatures who want to gobble them up.
Across the way, from the shopping cart planter and the pumpkin vine surrounding it, is my bigger pumpkin vine area.
A little pumpkin patch, if you will…
There are birdhouse gourds and squash growing in there too, amongst the pumpkins. Next time, I won't put them so close, although, I guess I don't mind the cross pollination, since I am only doing this for fun. And, the pumpkins are already growing and the gourds are barely being pollinated.
Would you like to take a close peek? Please say yes ;)
Let me bore you to death, won't you?
Oh yay! I hoped you would say yes.
Look closer, won't you?
Halloween. Can you feel it?
3 months, or so.
Oh oh, and look over there…
Oh, and did you peek in there?
Oh, and maybe that one got pollinated too?
I help them when I can, but the bees are doing a good job…
Oh and another one…
Okay, I promise not to show you a photo of every single growing thing, but it is exciting, isn't it?
I'll tell you what, on this side of the garden, there have been huge growing sunflowers also, which make my not so secret plan possible…
Let's finish our rounds, and I shall spill the beans.
Back to the other side of the big oleanders, past the gypsy garden and the garden bath…
Oh look, more pumpkins from the seeds inside of store bought pumpkins, that I plopped into the ground. Isn't that fun? My store bought pumpkins lasted until late Spring, did yours?
Up the tree they go…
Oh, and sky high cosmos, from seed too. Aren't they peaceful little guys?
Oh and, I have no idea what these white flowers are. They looked like pearls at first, then opened into tiny pretty little things…
And, from that same box of cottage seed I told you about a few posts ago, oodles of Black-Eyed Susans…
And so, amongst all the hard work and watering and heat heat heat in my garden, there is goodness to share.
Because…
There is a sunflower waiting for you.
A sunflower that grew while Baby was amongst us.
A sunflower that looked upon our little home.
A sunflower that has many beautiful seeds, ready to be planted…
Last year, I planted sunflowers at this time (it is very warm here until early November), and they lasted through fall.
So, for you…
I shall plant a grove of sunflowers.
Sunflowers for luck.
Sunflowers for love.
Sunflowers to heal the soul.
Sunflowers, in thanks.
A sunflower for each of you who has been so kind and supportive during this healing time, and shared such tender words. They aid me so, when those deep sad pangs visit.
Sunflowers, to warm your heart in thought.
Just know that somewhere, in a bizarre Arizona, there is a sunflower growing with your name on it. Filled with all the goodness it can muster, and more.
Let's watch them grow, and heck, you might even spot yours and name it 😉
Today I dropped little Matty off, for a little surgical procedure. 6 a.m. getting ready, and me, tossing and turning last night. I am one restless furry mammie. But, thinking about sunflowers, which I will start to plant this weekend, with you in mind, sounds like the perfect thing – yes yes indeed…
(phone rings)
Time to go pick up our wee boy from the animal hospital.
No time to spell check or edit, forgive the typos please 😉
Love, from our tiny house to you.
Hello Vanessa, I always love skipping through your gardens with you. They are truly filled with such beauty. We have many black-eyed susans here as well. There is something about them…but sunflowers. They are so incredibly amazing. And I thank you for growing a grove of them – as a way to say thanks. But you will be able to look at them and know that you are loved and cared for by so many. It’s a tribute to ALL of us together. 🙂 I hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend. And do keep an eye on that miraculous pumpkin! 😉 Theresa
Sunflowers are so lovely. We grow them at work and I sometimes do here, but this year the ones at work had only just started when they were mainly pulled out by one of the children. There are two survivors. They flower in September when we come back to school. I had a turk’s hat gourd/pumpkin-not sure which, which has lasted until now and is only just starting to go mouldy.
What a lovely idea for your sunflower-I shall think about the new ones growing in your garden. I remember that post about Baby.
Take care,
x
Sunflower TREES?
A shopping cart?!
You are amazing! Your place is magical!
Sweden has finally warmed up and I’ve planted little seeds on my balcony. My best friend gave me three in a small ceramic bowl she made for me and they have started to grow, grow, grow! I am so surprised I can make something grow. Today I planted olive and lemon kernels so hopefully that will work too.
🖤 Maria-Thérèse blog.afiori.com 🖤
Boring? Here? Never. 🙂
Plants are such a great way to connect. I saved seeds from my grandmother’s yard and when I grow new plants from them I’m instantly transported back to those happy memories.
Your sunflowers are so amazingly tall! I’ve never grown any that got that far into the atmosphere. I haven’t even planted mine yet it was so rainy wet for so long. I keep my sunflower heads for the birds in the winter so I guess I’d better get to planting!
Thanks so much for growing a sunflower for me. 🙂
What a beautiful, magical tour! I adore that shopping cart herb idea! You are so original and honest. What a sweet tribute in remembrance of Baby. I’m so glad you have Mister and Matty there with you to help you through this sad time.
Take care, Cindi
Your garden is magnificent and beautiful. I love knowing there is a sunflower with my name on it. Sunflowers indeed will make us all happy.
The shadows on his back look like wings~
Another LOVELY uplifting and beautiful post chock full of the enchantment of your surroundings. I cannot believe your sunflowers and pumpkins, but I feel the joy. And I am taking note that you are managing to grieve, stay positive, garden and heal all at the same time. Taking notes so I will remember your example when it is my turn to be without my faithful companion. Your blooms absolutely SHOUT their happiness and delight at being in your garden. Thank you. It was a lovely walkabout:)
Vanessa,
Those sun flowers are amazing, and your photographs are stunning. I love the way sunflowers look against the blue sky. So many beautiful things growing in your garden. Happy pumpkins.
Karen
Wowza, that sunflower is HUGE! And thanks for planting some for us, yay 😉 Lovely little stroll…I would lose myself everyday on your property! And never have to leave because you’ve grown an abundance of food, tee hee 😉
Jamie 🙂
Vanessa…you are simply enchanting and heartwarming. A sunflower for each of us? I wonder if you know how loved that makes US feel? It allows each and every one of us to claim a wee part of your beautiful garden. And…it is such a healing thing to do as well.
When my daddy passed away, here in my home in 2003, he was on hospice. That next Christmas, his hospice sponsered a “starlight ceremony”. For each patient on hospice that passed away that year, the hospital lit a Christmas star on top of the building. There were lots of stars and I always knew, when I drove by, that my daddy was up there…in the stars. Sharing your Sunflower seeds with us is very much the same thing because we all have our losses and we’ve all grieved your losses as well.
Thank you for thinking of US at this time:
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
WOW!!! The shadows on Mister Lovee’s back look like wings!;o) Also, your garden looking super lovely!
Wow. I just recently found your blog and have been shy about commenting during what I know has been a very personal and trying time for you, but your posts just ooze love and friendship. And so I’m peeking my head out of the shadows to offer you one more voice of support. Your whole garden is gorgeous, but those sunflowers… amazing. Breathtaking. Magical. We plant them each year in a sort of box shape so that the children and I have room to lay down amidst them and stare at the sunflower forest over head. We plant them with our pumpkins too, and some pole beans, and let the beans ramble up those sunflower stalks.
I see you have a husband with perhaps a bit of Fae blood in him (those black wings on his back). 😉
Oh, and the little white flowers that you didn’t have a name for… I believe that is yarrow, my dear. A very healing plant, both literally and figuratively. Legend has it that Achilles used to staunch the bleeding of his wounded soldiers using yarrow on the battlefield, and it is still used for that purpose (to halt bleeding wounds) by herbalists today, among other things.
Ohhh I have been itching for Halloween to come again…for fall and cool weather. I get excited just thinking about the decorating!
..I am glad you are finding peace. Baby isn’t really gone, she’ll always be with you…in your heart and soul…
xoxo
Hi! Vanessa, your sunflowers are beautiful. What a sweet gesture.I hope each day that passes replaces a tear with a happy memory.
(()) gail
oh ! vanessa! sunflowers are my favorite!!! when i see them i feel so optimistc!
may i borrow one photo of your for my blog???
thanks!
If given the chance, I would love to stroll through your lovely garden. I would love to photograph close ups of every living thing. You have that special touch. Thank you for sharing
welll, yes….
i just KNEW those sunflowers had
more adventure left in them!
🙂
i just knew it 🖤
each seed
waiting
to sprout
More Love
and
so
on
and
so
on………………………..
Vanessa you have the magic touch!! Your garden is beyond gorgeous …. the sunflowers… the love …. the gourds… the pumpkins!! Amazing!!! what you did with seeds !!!! …
I too cant wait for the fall to get here… the heat and I do NOT get along… at all..
Hugs for the healing
JO
Also meant to tell you what a wonderful idea you have for the sunflower garden… maybe some time down the road you can even sell dried flowers and the seeds and spread the love!!
HUGS
JO
Oh, oh, oh!!!! I’m so excited! Thank you, thank you thank you (and an extra thank you to the number generator)!!!
Email on the way……..
It’s always so nice to wake up and find a post filled with beautiful flowers and lovely thoughts…from you to me! Hope your day is filled with happiness! Hugs! 🖤🖤🖤
You’re like a twisty fairy tale…Vanessa & the bean stalk..only it’s Veevala and the sunflower stalk, and when you reach the sky, you’ll sow seeds for humongous rainbows and mermaid and bunny clouds, i just know it!!!!
XOXOXVIIIXXOVOVXXIVOXOXOXOXO
Hello, Miss Vanessa
I know I emailed you, but you have worked wonders with your gardens and flowers…
And thanks again for the virtual sunflowers we can put our names on…
Have a blessed weekend
Miss Teresa
Oh my little New Age Hippie, your sunflower shots are magical, fantastical, BIG LOVE 🖤🖤🖤
I am madly in love with your little world you have created. I also would not mind a half naked man wandering about my garden.
**blows kisses** Deb
I have to say those are some amazing sunflowers! Mine never get that tall! I do love growing pumpkins, it’s so exciting to watch them. Last year was my first attempt and this year we only have pumpkins and 3 tomato plants. I love the idea of planting in the shopping cart too, I might have to borrow that idea 🙂
Melissa
Ohh Miss Vanessa, Im not sure you would even know how to bore us!!
Seeing as Im sitting in winter, the sight of your garden and wandering half naked bodies makes me drool for summer, I Just got a new seed catalogue yesterday and am sick of growing the same flowers, Its time to go crazy. Thanks for your inspiring photos, gardens are such magic…I have an idea for you hhmmm, watch your mail box.
xxx
sheree
Woo! What absolutely stunning gardens you have! I squealed with you for each little gourd and flower – they are all, each and every one, such blessings, such little miracles, aren’t they?
I am SO excited for your sunflowers, and I am so happy to hear of your sunflower patch to come. Can’t wait to see it!
Hugs and prayers,
Meg and Arwen the Wonder Dog 🙂
dearest lovely vanessa – i am so happy to see you coming out on the other side of your grief filled with love, hope and beauty. i have been visiting the mad tea party links every day, and so every day i have been seeing your grief filled post and feeling your pain with you. i know all too well the loss you felt, and have every day sent you love thru the universe so that you might feel it deep somewhere in your subconcious. i know i am not the only one, and to see your gratitude is beautiful, just like you. i only just found your blog a month ago, and was instantly smitten with your happiness and color and artistic spirit, you are an amazing soul, a kindred spirit and a true inspiration. thank you so much for being you! goddess bless, peace and love, chella
Oh tres` delightful, BUT YOU MY FANCIFUL FRIENDLING are going to be in SO MuCh TrouBlE when your Mister Lovee finds his pic on your post…tee hee! Thank goodness those are only shadows for the most horrifying thought past through my head. Do you want me to tell…yes yes? OK I will ;-). Me thought that your dashing debonair yoga hippy Mister L. suffered from hypertrychosis. OH DEAR!!! NO NOT THAT!!!! Did I spell it right? I don’t know ;-O. But THANkfully it wasn’t that. Oh dear, maybe he does, but that’s ok if he does because he’s still his wonderful Mister Lovee self who holds the key to your heart.
Your sunflowers are GINORMOUS!!! And BeaTiFUl and I’m sure the Lord grew them that big to bring healing and delight to your heart. Me thinks delight to my heart too since I can sit here and pretend to inhale their fragrance and sway with them as they gentle move with the breeze. Please tell me you’re getting a breeze, please???
Life is precious is it not? Yes! I agree too!! I hope Matty did well with his surgery. Did he go to get tutored? He’ll be fine ;-).
must be skipping on my way…kitchens to clean and all of that plus I’ve been sewing a gypsy petticoat for myself. WHAT FUN!!! Ok, I’m leaving now ;-).
much love!!!!!!!
I just read what Darling Deb wrote…embarrassed giggling going on on this side of the computer ;-O!!!!
You live is such a special place! It is so beautiful! What state (country) do you live in? Here in South Florida it is so hard to grow anything.
xoxoxo
karen
so verdant! this feels so refreshing after a hot and humid week here. And loveees shadows, remind me of wings…….shadow angel wings, perhaps?
hope you are all well?
xxx
Congrats to the winners of the book! 🙂 I have a copy, its really very good! Vanessa, thanks a million for being kind enough to name a sunflower in our honor 🙂 That is a very sweet-hearted thing to do, which is exactly why we all love you!
My congrats for your garden, it looks wonderful!!!!
cariños,
maria cecilia
Vanessa, I am so sorry for your loss. A year and a half ago we lost both of our furry babies, they died 39 days apart. It was a sad and dark time here and I can only tell you that time really does heal. We still miss them dearly and I think of them often. I am so greatful that I had them in my life, what a gift they were, just as your furry kids are a gift to you. We eventually adopted 2 puppies, and what a joy they are! I feel like we are honoring Maddie’s and Sadie’s memory by giving our love to Callie and Schultzie. I hope your days become easier and your tears become less. My heart goes out to you.
Frosty our cat died this week, and once again we have an empty place in our hearts.
I love your gardens. I planted bleeding hearts on Maddie’s and Sadie’s graves. I’ll do the same with Frosty, along with a little cat nip.
I was going to say that I think the white flowers are Yarrow (my parents have tons of it at their house), but I think someone beat me to it! That is so sweet to plant sunflowers for all your readers. I love all your photos, especially the gypsy and garden ones so it is so lovely to think that, just maybe, one of those flowers is for me. It is also nice to know that us strangers might be of some comfort. I just moved to Tucson and only have a patio with flower pots, but I hope to one day have a garden as beautiful and free as yours.
Sunflowers are my fave fave favourite flower… those look like Russian Mammoths, but who ever really knows what Mother Nature is up to? How sweet that you are planting them for Baby and for your pals…
And Gosh, I just thought today about Halloween, too! HA! And here I am and you mention it with that lushly lovely orangey pumpkin photo… yummo.
And Congrats to the Winners, hoorah!
I so love visiting you and your garden. Take good care.
X Candace
Oh sweet Vanessa!
How did I know?
How did I know that Sweet Baby was the ONE YOU LOVE at the beginning of the post!
Of course it’s Sweet Baby!
Living…breathing her sweet warmth upon YOU through your lovely garden!
I just simply can’t BELIEVE you are going to have your very own PUMPKINS to pick for Halloween!
Well that would surely be a magical feeling!
Baby will live with you and Mattie and Mr. Lucky for ever and ever…I just know she will!
I say hi to her when I gaze up into the stars tonight!
I have lots of fur-babies I talk to in the sky!
LOve you sweet girl!
Think of you often.
xoxoxoxoox
Snuggles to Mattie!
xo
what a lovely sentiment to honour your ‘baby’.
%*_*% rosey
Major huge sunflowers. I do believe they are going straight up to the sun and mean to make it there!! I’m glad you’re heart is healing. It will. It’s all about time, and I’ve never been very patient. But, the time will pass and the healing will continue.
Hugs, Vanessa.
Kathy
hmmm what sunflowers dont see any flowers ohhhhhhhhhhh over there hehehe,,,hard to see flowers when you see Mr Lovee lol
You are truly blessed in your life. I love to read your blog and thank you for letting me escape my world for a few minutes
I really love your sweet heart.
Thanks for sharing your goodness even in the midst of your heartbreak.
Please grow one for me 🙂
xo!
You really have this innocence, this endearing gentleness. I think it’s why your art touches so many people. I think it is the dewey-eyed innocence that attracts all of us.
There really is magic in your garden.
Fabulous !
Oh. Thank you for this first-thing-in-the-morning (for me – teehee) tour. Started my day off just right! 🙂
Your garden is a definite sign that you are a bundle of energy 🙂 Lovely garden…my sunflowers are only 5 in. tall at the moment! Lovely pics as usual…
Hi Vanessa!
Thanks again for sharing pictures of your wonderful garden! I’m thinking next year of planting some sunflowers, just for fun, upon your inspiration!
Give Matty muchly snuggles for his little procedure!
~Rori~
Beautiful Sunny Flowers to sooth the soul. So big n~ tall as the sky!!!
So vibrant & happy~
Thanks for sharing your loveliness~
xox
Constance
What an incredible garden! Your sunflowers are amazing! I’m always inspired to get out an plant something lovely in my dusty little yard after I’ve visited your lush oasis! Jenn
i have an old childs size metal shopping cart in my garden! sometimes i will look at it and think, is it odd that i like that here in my garden? so i was tickled to see one in yours as well!
Hola preciosa! Hola de Sevilla! Wish you were here to ooh and ah at all the beauty (although the temps are a bit much in the daytime). Your flowers are simply gorgeous! (And sunflowers grow tall like that in parts of France). Your photos also are scrumptious! Have been thinking about you and hoping you’re doing better. Will catch up w/ the news when I’m back in France. Miss you! xoxox
P.S. Hoping the little furry creature is fit as a fiddle! xoxox
Hi there! Just found your blog from somepinkflowers…loved all your beautiful garden pics. The shopping cart is great.. will have to try that sometime. Congratulations on your pumpkins and plentiful produce..it’s more than I’ve ever grown that’s for sure!
*** Have a blessed week***
Your garden is beautiful and full of magic. I know each day the sunflowers, black eyed susans, pumpkins and all your other flowers will heal you day by day. Sending you much love. I like knowing there is a sunflower named Shell somewhere in Arizona.
Those sunflowers are amazing!! I definitely believe that Baby has sent them to cheer you up and let you know that she is doing just wonderful 🙂 ~Lauren
Just popped over for a little look at your awesome blog! I’m so sorry for your loss. And you’re right it is such a horrible yucky feeling. From my recent experiences I had days when I wondered if I would ever feel happy again. Your garden is beautiful and I’m glad it brings you joy! It’s not the material things in our life that bring us comfort in the dark times. Being surrounded by nature’s beauty and the people we love like you have so wisely discovered are what truly heals. Those grief pangs will lessen and be replaced with happy memories and you will be happy again…Sherri
Can’t tell why… but I felt compelled to write this: “It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: “And this, too, shall pass away.” (Abraham Lincoln)
…when you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place…
Hear the whisper of angel wings!
Hugs,
Cielo
Hi, Vanessa! Thank you once again for the tour through your beautiful garden, and for the sweet words about planting sunflowers in honor of your well wishers.
You said you wished you could give us some of your herbs through the screen. I think if we really believe, maybe one of your little fairies could make it happen. I will check in front of my computer screen every morn to see if any herbs have found their way here . . . . : )
Hope Mr. Matty is faring well after his surgery. Gentle puppy pats to him.
Hi
Wonderful pictures from your garden! I’m still waiting for my zucchinis to become ready to pic. That white one with small flowers are Achillea Millefolium (dont know what it is called in english) but it grows almost like weed here and is a medicine herb against fever, headace, woundhealing and against mosqitoes. Great isn’t it! /Therese
Much here to help you heal…living in the midst of the nature-made and Fanciful-made world.
x..x
steph
Vanessa, I so thank you for this beautiful beautiful post (which includes 3 things that make me smile so, Sunflowers, Pumpkins & Halloween) and wanted to let you know this is just what I needed. I’m home from the hospital this week after a very scary week last week. And I know how comforting it is is to plant flowers for someone you love. I hope it helps you as much as it’s helped me.
Oh your garden is so so beautiful!!!! And a sunflower with my name on it is delightful! They are wondrous!
Thank you dear one…thank you!
Hugging you
SueAnn
Looks like you are going to be able to sit and wait with Charlie Brown for the great pumpkin….lol
Oh, how I love visiting here. It’s like a little vacation, a reminder to stop and feel, to stop and say thanks, to stop and appreciate the little things. I LOVE sunflowers and please plant one for me! Much love and healing, Silke
Happiness follow you wherever you go!