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Flowers have survived on our Hydrangea quercifolia shrubs longer this season than ever before. From buds to these weathered remnants, we have enjoyed them daily over their season.
This is the longest they’ve ever lasted, as some years the flowers are eaten off of our oakleaf Hydrangeas by hungry deer before the flowers fully mature.
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I see these winter wilted leaves and weathered flowers as a small sign of victory in our ongoing struggles with this garden. Like an elderly person, a story of survival is told in every detail of their countenance.
Winter teaches us to find beauty in all stages of life. It shows us the dignity of strength and tenacity, and serves as
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Allium flowers, gone to seed, and now with the seeds mostly blown away. Their structure and grace remains.