Daisy Days in the Sculpture Garden
The Lazy but far from Hazy Days of Summer Are On Their Way
Summer here at 7,300 feet in the Rocky Mountains is by many comparisons a decidedly brief affair but once it gains a foothold, as it is in the process of doing at this very moment, we residents of the Roaring Fork Valley know full well the wonderful treat that is about to unfold, for at this elevation August proves the undisputed King of the Summer Months.
The Sculpture Garden is primed and ready to burst into color as the life-giving ‘Summer Monsoons’ of July make way for the Glory Days of August.
And so, right on cue, this past week the Shasta Daisies have sprung to life, as they always do, as an enthusiastic Advanced Guard for the impending botanical invasion.
But perhaps best of all the weather itself is set for a distinct turn for the better, for while all this “much needed moisture” is, well, much needed, the Big Beautiful Colorado Sun is about to exert its considerable presence by driving the heavy thunder caps from the scene, gradually at first, until most days evolve around a most beautiful axis of warm days, warmish nights (for us), and the most gorgeous blue sky imaginable.
Up until this point in the year we can usually rely on a sunny morning, and a sunny sunset for that matter, but once July arrives the latent moisture in the air simply balls itself up into a tremendous thunderstorm by mid-to-late afternoon… as is the case today.
It would be a foolish gardener to complain about the rain in a semi-desert region such as this, but it would be disingenuous of me if I did not proclaim my ardent love of sunshine… of sunny days and warm summer air; all of which August bestows upon us with such abundance.
Coming from England, and having lived for many years in Portland, Oregon, it certainly seems an odd state of affairs when gardens peak in August. Back in my home country gardens tend to look their best towards the end of June and are practically spent by August. But here the spring season being so very long it takes until the Eighth Month for the nights to warm sufficiently so that the ground doesn’t need to heat up each morning… a process that can easily take half the day.
So, right now it is Daisy Season here in The Sculpture Garden… those cheerful little white flowers are practically everywhere. Perhaps I am easily pleased (my favorite bird is after all the humble sparrow) but I just love the cheerful exuberance of daisies – they just seem so darned happy to be alive!
Even my cat, ‘Miss Kitty’ (all 18 lbs of her) seems to love daisies too, but perhaps more because of the welcome camouflage they bring to her morning hunt.
By the way, The Sculpture Garden celebrates its 10th Anniversary this summer and so August is quite naturally the month chosen to mark the occasion with a series of Studio Tours that will serve to open the workshop and Garden for visitation each Saturday and Sunday throughout the month. Private tours during the week may also be arranged in advance. Please email me at martincooneysculptor@gmail.com
Till next time, thanks for stopping by.
Cheers!
Martin
