AN END AND A BEGINNING

I have the growing feeling that the schism has turned the corner toward settlement, whatever form that may take. The end is in sight. In the deep South, winter is coming to an end and spring is bursting out in glorious beauty all around us. Times end, times begin.

This has been another difficult week. In the schism, we learned of the Diocese of South Carolina's disturbing secret plan to remove people from their home churches to make separate DSC congregations. This reminds us that the division and destruction of the grand old diocese goes on. In spite of lip service about mediation, it is clear DSC has no interest in a peaceful settlement with the Episcopal Church. It is preparing to fight on to the bitter end and break up 29 church families in the process. 

I do not want us to end this week on a sad note. I am amazed at the number of people who like my garden pictures. Therefore, I have more photos of my garden to share with us (it is a large botanical garden). Spring is here even if the calendar says it is still winter. Let's walk around my garden as it appears today:

Spiraea thunbergii 'Fujino Pink.' Loropetalum on left. Fujino Pink has tiny white/pink flowers. This one is full grown at 5'. It is one of the earliest flowering shrubs in the spring.

Spiraea arguta, "Baby's Breath Spirea." Another early flowering shrub, now in its prime with countless tiny pure white blossoms that appear before the leaves. This shrub is full grown at 6'.

Camellia japonica, 'Emmett Barnes.' A small shrub with large, pure white blossoms.

Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince). Possibly 'Cameo.' Apricot pink blossoms. Another early blooming shrub. This is a rare color for flowering quince.

Camellia japonica 'Goggy.' (Last Friday I mistakenly identified another camellia as 'Goggy.' Actually that one was 'April Tryst.' I was thrown off because it is blooming two months early. We have had summer-like conditions for the past several weeks bringing out some plants well ahead of schedule.)

Loropetalum chinesis rubrum 'Blush' (Blush Loropetalum). This is one of the most common ornamental shrubs of the South, for good reason. It thrives in almost any condition and blooms lushly starting in early spring. It can be left to grow naturally or be pruned. This bush has been left to grow. It is full grown at 8'. 

I hope you enjoyed this little walk around my garden. It is a nice way to end the week and celebrate Friday.