“This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears.
All nature sings, and round me rings, the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world; I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas – His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.”
(Lyrics by Maltbie D. Babcock)

There was a hint of fall in the air, as cooler temperatures, lower humidity and a gentle breeze graced this lovely day. I spent way too much time inside this past week so it was easy to acquiesce to the desire to head outside. Besides, I needed some garden therapy. As I mentioned when I first launched this blog, God often ministers to me through the beauty of his creation. And so it was today as I listened to the twittering of the birds (the original “twitterers”!), felt the warmth of the sun and heard the laughter of the neighbors’ children as they exulted over numerous butterflies flitting around the cul de sac.

After mowing, edging and weeding, I engaged in a tradition my late husband, Ray, and I started years ago. I “walked the property”. Now I must tell you, my property consists of a whopping 1/3 acre in a subdivision, but I take great delight in strolling this small piece of land God has entrusted to my care, seeking out the gifts He leaves for me to find. Not only am I aware of God’s presence, but I feel a connection to Ray as many things he planted continue to flourish. And I sense the love of friends who’ve helped me care for and add to my garden since Ray’s passing. Yes, in spite of its diminutive size relative to more renowned botanical wonderlands, my tiny estate brings me great joy.

Following is a photo gallery of some of the treasures I discovered today. I hope seeing them will bring a smile to your face as they did to mine. And may we say with the writer of I Chronicles, “Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise.”

White rain lily

The decorative seed pods of Euonymus americanus (American euonymus) give rise to one of the plant’s more endearing common names, “Hearts-a-bustin'”.

The small but exotic blooms of Tricyrtis hirta (toad lily) are worthy of up-close admiration.

One of my favorite fall-blooming perennials, this Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis var. japonica) is doubling as a lovely decoration my paperbark maple (Acer griseum), which in turn is providing a support for its flower and bud-laden stems.

Like many hydrangeas, Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) ‘Snowflake’ bears inflorescences that age beautifully, changing color and providing interest across a number of weeks.

Blooming twice a year, Encore(R) azaleas can add color to fall gardens.

Another tiny woodland gem, hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium), has dainty flowers that appear late summer/early fall.