I almost NEVER want to leave my garden, especially in the spring - even if heading to a beautiful spot. It would be very hard to leave your lovely place, Clint.

Manresa looks like a very special spot, though. It is so good to see the huge live oaks - somehow, I thought they were all lost to Katrina.

I went to Manresa's website. Their rule of silence is intriguing. It makes me think of time spent in the garden, often alone and not speaking. Maybe this is one reason that gardens are so inspiring.

Enjoy your time there. Your garden will still be there when you return, renewed.
Anita

Yes! I know exactly what you mean! I am about to go visit a dearly loved step-daughter, and we have lots of really enjoyable activities planned. I know we'll have a good time. But I look around at my garden, just a couple of weeks short of coming into its peak beauty, and I am having trouble leaving it.

Rosefolly

Those are beautiful photographs, but no I regret every moment that I am unable to spend in my garden this time of year. I do visit friends and relatives from time to time during peak bloom, but I would much prefer being home and enjoying that window of opportunity. I can visit any time. I cannot enjoy the glory of my garden just any time.

Manresa will be great for you, I think. You will love your garden more when you get back. The pictures of both places are stunning. How blessed you are you can have both.

Jerome

Yes, I know exactly what you mean. I usually take the week around Memorial Day off to extend the long holiday because the roses are at their peak here, and I can't bear to go to work and leave my garden in full bloom. I try to get my friends and relatives to come visit me so I can share my garden and not go anywhere.

What an utterly stunning and beautiful picture of your garden. May I know the name of that rose?

We're going to visit the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden April 18 and already I'm thinking of what I'll miss here on that extended weekend. I almost feel disloyal to my garden to want to leave it, but tell myself it's to get inspiration to make it even more beautiful by seeing roses I'm not yet familiar with.

The vignette of your garden gives me hope that you will post more pictures in the future. We all need to see others' garden for inspiration and the pure joy of it.

I'm sure your retreat will give a special meaning to your life which will carry over into everything else, including your garden when you return to it again.

Ingrid

Thanks for the responses, I knew this group could relate to how attached we can get to our gardens. Anita, the rule of silence at Manresa is what is special about this retreat. I can't tell you how destressed I am after a few days of silent contemplation. The thing is I live across the river from a Benedectine Monestary, and when I garden I hear the incredible bells throughout the day. I feel as though I am always on retreat, and Jerome you are so right, I truly am blessed to garden at such a location. Ingrid, that is climbing old blush. She is the first to bloom and has been for a couple of weeks. Here is another pic with my little buddy, Rudy!
Clint

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I understand Clint. It would be hard to leave Rudy too. But, you will come back renewed and refreshed and see your garden in a new way. Have fun and it sounds like good food you're going to have.

Carla

I too know exactly how you feel----Once my garden starts to wake up in the spring-I can't stand to be away even for a week-end
However the place you are visitng should restore your spirit and you will come home refreshed.

Please post more pictures of your beautiful garden.

Florence

Yes, I do know what you mean. My roses are sporting tiny buds everywhere and I am leaving for California next week. My consolation is that I get to see Luannes beautiful roses in full bloom. It sounds like a lovely place you are going to. Enjoy the peace and bring it back home with you.

Carol

Clint, your house is enchanting and so is the puppy. If you don't mind my asking an off-topic question, does Cl. Old Blush rebloom well? I thought I had heard that is was a sparse rebloomer.

Thanks again for the lovely pictures.

Ingrid

Clint...Benedictine Monasteries with bells...an adorable Golden named Rudy, silent retreats. I am going nuts here with "same wavelength" vibes. It is amazing how we all connect. Your garden is wonderful, and the pup looks like a real kick!

Jerome

Ingrid...Climbing Old Blush has a great spring and fall flush but a sporatic bloomer during the summer months. With that said, I wouldn't be without this rose and it is in direct view of my main living area, making it feel as though it is inside. Jerome, I live directly across a one lane bridge from St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, LA. Founded in the early 1900's by the Benedictine order, it is also an accredited Seminary College. Unfortunately, Katrina tore up alot of the 1200 acres that belongs to the abbey, with alot of tree destruction. Despite that it is still a beautiful place. That is quite a coincidence with your current position, I'll have to google to get details on your abbey. Florence, here is a pic I took today of my favorite, Mrs. BR Cant and some blue Louisiana irises.
Clint

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These are beautiful, serene scenes, Clint. Your property, & what you've done with it, is inspiring.

Randy

Clint, how old is that Mrs. B.R.? It is very beautiful.

Wow, your pictures of your garden are beautiful. I can definitely relate to not wanting to leave the garden, especially this time of year. I was told I had to go on a business trip in early May. The only consolation is that the tulips will still be in bloom at the Keukenhof which is about 10 kilometers from the office where I will be working.

Enjoy your trip.

Kathy

Here is a link that might be useful: Keukenhof

I must admit there are times when I'm dying to leave. This is a huge wonderful garden that is really my life and life's work. I probably spend 40 hours a week in the garden. When I go away and return I am refreshed and ready to go on often with a new perspective from some other beatiful place.

Your pictures are beautiful! You have a stream right outside your home? That 2nd photo reminds me of a Monet painting.

Clint---thanks so much !!-- Roses and Iris-----my two favorite plants

I love your puppy----We always had Golden Retrievers at one period we had four.

I sure would love to have another one.

They are the best dogs

You live in a wonderful location with the Abbey across the street and the bells---sounds like paradise to me.

Florence