February 27, 2017

The Sun Will Rise and The Sun Will Set
(Lessons Learned as the Seasons Change)

sunset with bench

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite the darkness."
~Desmond Tutu

A few days ago, I stopped by Lake Waubesa to see if the ice had melted. After an unusual, record-breaking stretch of mild weather, I knew the ice shacks would be gone. What I didn't know was that I'd have a front-row seat to a spectacular sunset.

The sky was on fire and colorful in every direction. The lake was still frozen, but showing signs of cracking and opening with the sun's unseasonable warmth.

hot sun

cracks

rays

bench

This experience didn't impart new knowledge; rather, it prompted spiritual acceptance that the sun will always rise and will always set ... until it doesn't. I might as well enjoy moments of beauty and gifts of living on this stunning, fragile planet, as it spins through space. I'll try to do my part, as one of many stewards of its resources.

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How about you? What garden inspirations and lessons have you learned or reflected on during the past season?

Contributions from both hemispheres and all continents are welcome! To join in the "Garden Lessons Learned" meme, simply write a post or share one you've already written about lessons you've learned during the past season. Then share your links or observations in the comments on this post. This post will be available always under the "Lessons Learned" tab at the top of this blog. I'll share your posts on the PlantPostings Facebook Page closer to the equinox.

Happy spring to friends in the Northern Hemisphere, and happy autumn to those in the Southern Hemisphere!

(I'm taking a little blogging break for an exciting adventure! I'll share highlights after I return.)

45 comments:

  1. I wrote about the threat of fires here in the NC mountains last fall and talked about making decisions if asked to evacuate. It's a topic I didn't think too much about until our area was under threat. I've updated all my important papers and made a list of "must take" items, should we have time to gather some belongings. I hope I never have to put my plan into action, but I feel good that I made the effort to be better prepared. Have a wonderful trip!

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    1. Hi Lynn: I can't even imagine what that would be like. We've had droughts here, but never wildfires in our suburban neighborhood. That's good advice about preparation! Thanks, we're certainly looking forward to this trip!

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  2. Hi Beth, these are truly spectacular photo of the sunset over the lake with the ice thawing. Simply wonderful!
    My lesson that I learned so far over this winter is that I have to fertilize my garden at the end of winter, if I want to have my plants thrive and develop their full potential. The severe root competition with the huge and many Queen Palms in my garden is stunting the growth of almost everything else.
    Of course, now I am curious to hear about your adventure! I guess I would call the end of your blog post a cliffhanger well executed ;-)!
    Warm regards,
    Christina

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    1. Thanks, Christina. I need to remember to spread compost at the appropriate times in the spring and fall. Regarding the adventure: I will share the news very soon! :)

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  3. I love this wonderful sunsets. The sky has beautiful colors. Spring is coming, I hope. Regards.

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    1. Yes, the sky is incredibly stunning sometimes. It's hard to predict the best sunrises and sunsets, but when they happen it's fun to see them. Yes, spring is on the way! Best wishes for you, too!

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  4. I have been reminded that you can't depend on Mother Nature to do as she always does. She does as the changes in the planet and our system changes. Always something interesting going on. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. I hope you have a great time doing what ever it is you're doing.

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    1. Good advice to enjoy the ride. :) Yes, Mother Nature is fascinating! Thanks, we are very excited about this trip. :)

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  5. Spectacular photos. The third one looks like lava trails on the ice. I guess I've learned over the years that spring always comes with up and down, back and forth progression. So I should not be surprised when that is exactly what happens.

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    1. Thanks, Linda. I had the same impression about the "lava" look. It was nifty. Gosh, we've had quite the swings this year--more extremes than usual it seems. Quite the early spring, too!

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  6. Happy Adventure Time . . .

    I think of you when I venture my garden spaces . . .
    And finding Hellebore peeking through the other day
    made for a very happy me . . .
    It is one plant I knew nothing about when I purchased and planted it and one plant I provide very little care. Other than letting it enjoy its space at the "woodland" edge and trimming back leaves from the year previous, I do nothing. I think there are at least five large clumps now, gathered in this area.
    Sometimes it is important to "let things be" . . . my gardens teach me.

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    1. Thanks, Lynne. I love Hellebores, too. Mine are trying to bloom, but we're about to have a deep freeze again after warm spring-like weather. So, I'm covering them with leaf mulch and hoping for the best. It's a good lesson to sometimes "let things be," but I don't want to lose the blooms for this season. It's always a balancing act, isn't it?

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  7. Rising and setting sun reminds me of . . .
    What A Wonderful World . . .
    I have needed that reminder often of late . . .
    Thank you for your beautiful photos.

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    1. I agree: I've always loved that song. It's a good reminder to enjoy the blessings that we have now.

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  8. did you have that incredible light show to yourself? Spring is tapping at the ice in these sensational shots. Enjoy your coming adventure

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    1. Thanks, Laura. There were a few people at the park while I was there, and of course all the people who live on the lake saw the show, too. Our adventure was fabulous! (Stay tuned for more coverage.)

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  9. Your photos are amazing - and now you have got me on tenterhooks. I'll start thinking about lessons learned.

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    1. Thanks, Pat. I posted a photo today from our trip. It was amazing!

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  10. Once again, I reminded myself (thanks Walt Whitman) --
    "After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on - have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear - what remains? Nature remains." indeed it does, fortunately for us!

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    1. So true, Hollis. On the best days and the worst days, the little miracles in nature are hopeful and inspiring. :)

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  11. These images are so regenerating! For someone who spends most time in a big city, images of nature are not only relaxing but a reminder of where the source of energy is. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Hi Lula: I live near a city, but in a little wild corner of a suburb. It's kind of the best of three worlds, I guess. You're welcome. :)

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  12. Wonderful images and wise words. Thank you, Beth!

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    1. Thanks, Tatyana. Sometimes nature reminds us of truths that we tend to forget or ignore. Even in the worst of times, there is beauty to behold.

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  13. What a lovely experience to have...
    Amanda x

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    1. Yes, sometimes sunrises and sunsets can be so stunning they take the breath away. :)

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  14. I traveled. I came back home.
    I found that the grass is not always greener elsewhere, but there is beauty of a sort in many places.

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    1. Nice! I need to head on over to your blog to learn more, after I catch up on a few things. Yes, it's great to travel, but always great to get home, too!

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  15. Hi Beth! Your photos are amazing, and I love your reflections on lessons learned. I will be checking into FB for any photos you have posted on your exciting trip.

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    1. Thanks, Sue. When the garden is dormant in winter I need to remind myself that nature is still at work preparing for the next growing season. It helps to take a trip south. ;-)

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  16. Oh, how incredibly beautiful! We are thankfully getting more sunshine now than in January where (apparently) we saw a whopping 12 hours for the entire month. Haven't seen any beautiful sunsets though - but maybe that's just because I haven't been looking.

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    1. Wow, you had a dark January! I don't think ours was quite that dark--although it seems so long ago now. My memories of this winter are that it was very, very mild. But now we're getting a late-season freeze--just when my spring bulb plants are getting ready to bloom. :(

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  17. I think I know what you mean. A thing is no less beautiful for being temporary. We hope the things we love will last as long as possible but there's only so much we can do to make that happen.

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    1. Yes--that's exactly what I was thinking! I don't always have the peace and presence of mind to enjoy it and realize it, But finding that contentment is a good thing. Until the angst comes back and spurs more action.

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  18. Hello,
    Amazing photos!!!
    Enjoy your adventure. I will be looking forward hearing about it.
    I have exciting news. In January, I applied to take the UW Madison Master Gardener Course. I have been accepted. I start class on Tuesday.
    I am excited and nervous at the same time. It is been awhile since I have been to school. ;-)
    I will be adjusting my blog schedule until I get use to going back to school.
    In case you do not hear from me, know that I will return and your blog friendship is special to me.

    Love, Carla

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    1. Hi Carla: Thanks! We had a great trip! Congrats on your acceptance in the Master Gardener program. I can't wait to hear more about it! I'm just getting back into a blogging schedule after being away for a week. Blessings. :)

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  19. How gorgeous! So true. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all of the bad news about the environment and forget to go out there and enjoy it.

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    1. Thanks, Indie. Yes, I find myself sad and pessimistic about the degradation of the natural world. But then I think: Do your part, and enjoy it while you can. Life is short, but life is good.

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  20. Sunset (and sunrise) over the water is always such an inspirational sight, making me appreciate the wonder of nature and the beautiful earth that has been entrusted to our care.

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    1. Hi Deb: You describe it so well. :) Yes, we are blessed! And if we make an attempt to preserve it, we're doing our best. Part of the process is the enjoy the gifts of nature.

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  21. What gorgeous photos! The beauty of nature is the one constant in this changing and sometimes frightening world we live in today.

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    1. Thanks, Rose. :) Yes, the simple pleasures of nature provide some solace.

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  22. Hello, gorgeous sunset. What a beautiful setting. Lovely images and post. Have a happy day!

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  23. Way behind with reading blogs.

    Steward of the earth very much in my mind as we adjust our life style and habits to sustainable use of water in a summer dry climate. Last week was a Water Justice conference at St George's Cathedral gathering all faiths.

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