When I took the photo of the mirror on our fence, I tried to capture as much of the garden as I could in it’s reflection. Now that it is uploaded, I can see that only a glimpse of the new perennial bed is visible. It brings to mind the allure of a secret garden.
One “secret garden”, I recall, we spotted on one of our walks in a neighborhood we used to live in. It appeared to be tended by a retired couple. Their acreage was at the end of a dead-end road and had a privacy fence; however, you could just see over the gate. How enticing, it was, when I spotted vintage garden tools. They seemed to pronounce that this was no ordinary garden. It was a cherished garden and long established with mature trees, shrubs and perennial borders bursting with beauty and character. I couldn’t see much. But from what I could see, those garden implements spoke the truth.
I never did have a closer look at that oasis, but I have seen many gorgeous ones on garden tours. My favorites always have a sense of time – lots of time. What I mean, is that there has been a passage of decades that have enabled the trees to become majestic, rocks to grow lichen, perennials to grow in drifts and benches to wear the patina of old age. I wonder, do you think the gardens in heaven will look brand new? I doubt it. Fresh and vibrant seems likely to be the case, with the character of centuries.
Whatever the gardens in “Paradise restored” will be, I trust that we will all be satisfied with the Owner’s selection of designs. We won’t be peeking over a gate. It will be home and I won’t feel rushed to take it all in before the tour is over. It will be more than a glimpse.
“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV
Take care,
Wendy

I’m enjoying your blog posts so far, Wendy. You’re a good writer!
Valerie, thanks so much for your encouragement. I just started, after years of wanting to.