Blessing the Garden

When I'm alone working in the garden I always feel the presence of the Almighty. For me, there is an understanding between what I can do and what I leave to Mother Nature. So I welcomed the blessing of the garden this morning. It's more than symbolism for me…it sort of makes my garden world whole. Father Prince, the pastor of Immaculate Conception, officiated and some of the volunteers that make the arrangements on Friday's were present for the blessing. The ceremony was held in Mary's garden on the feast day of the Queenship of Mary.

I took a walk in the rose garden following the ceremony to see what was in bloom. The roses are recovering from a higher than usual Japanese Beatle infestation this year as well as the summer bloom lull. This is what I saw.

 Benjamin Britten

 Ceciel Brunner

 Gold Medal

 Jude the Obscure

 Julia Child

 Kordes Perfecta

 Love and Peace

 Mardi Gras

 Marie Van Houtte

 Mary Rose

 Oklahoma

 Princess Anne

 Richards Rose

Tahitian Sunset

Here are arrangements of what has been blooming in the garden during August.