Many people ask me why I garden and why the outdoors calls to me.

The answer is realt very simple. There is a beauty that appears with each sunrise and sunset. Even in the rain, which we have had too much of lately, there is a peace and the promise of drier weather and hope for better days. The simple work of digging in the soil and watching a new plant grow reminds me that there is more to life than schedules and a fast paced life.

This video reminds me of the morings in my back yard as the fog lifts off the creek and the sun promises us a new day. We find comfort in the things in our lives that are consistant but find joy in change. And the scenery around us is varied and beautiful throughout the year.

Gardening offers both the beauty and wonder of plants and the color and change they go through in their short growing season. It’s always amazing. Happy gardening to all, Denise

Monet painted landscapes and garden scenes that are still some of the most appreciated art sold and collected.

Many do not realize the time he spent studying light and color and then setting up his garden to get the look he wanted. The pieces he created were a study on gardening. He studied flowers, textures, lighting and colors. He would research different plants to get the results he wanted. He also worked on how to capture nature and beauty on canvas.

The you tube video below gives you a small example of the color and beauty of his gardens.

Monet’s works do not seem to age they mature and grow each year and reach out and touch more generations.

Here is a more complete article on Monet and his gardens: http://thegardenersrake.com/garden-art-monets-oaintings-are-a-garden-study-on-canvas

Tags: Monet’s art, Monet’s gardens, garden art, famous gardens, famous artists, study of flowers as art

Earth day will be April 22nd. As the world increases in population it’s important to take care of our planet and its natural wonders.

Think about celebrating Earth Day. Plant a plant or tree or even pick up the roadside. Our actions today affect tomorrow’s world.

Here’s a video that celebrates natures beauty set to Celtic music.

Join the Gardeners Rake for an Earth Day celebration starting Monday April 21st, 2008. The celebration begins Monday with an online course on how to build Square foot garden beds and set them up. These ideas can also be used in raised beds, container gardens and lasagna gardening. Happy Earth Day!

Tags: Celebrate Earth Day, Earth Day 2008, Earth Day April 22, plant a tree, Natural Beauty,