I haven’t much time to be fond of anything…
but when I have a moment’s fondness
to bestow, most times…the roses get it.
I began my life among them
in my father’s nursery garden, and
I shall end my life among them, if I can.
~Wilkie Collins

The garden is the place I go for refuge and shelter, not the house. In the house are duties and annoyances, servants to exhort and admonish, furniture, and meals; but out there blessings crowd round me at every step — it is there that I am sorry for the unkindness in me, for those selfish thoughts that are so much worse than they feel; it is there that all my sins and silliness are forgiven, there that I feel protected and at home, and every flower and weed is a friend and every tree a lover. When I have been vexed I run to them for comfort, and when I have been angry without just cause, it is there I find absolution. Did ever a woman have so many friends? And always the same, always ready to welcome me and fill me with cheerful thoughts. Happy children of a common Father, why should I, their own sister, be less content and joyous than they? ~Elizabeth von Arnim

Gardens and chocolate
both have mystical qualities.
~Edward Flaherty

I would hurry to my place of shelter far from the tempest and the storm. ~Psalm 55:8 ✝
**All flower images taken by me in my yard; lower most chocolate image via Pinterest

Wonderful post.
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Thank you! 💟
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Beautiful post, Natalie…a garden always provides peace and joy… ❤
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Yes it does Mani❣😊
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Reblogged this on Truth Troubles: Why people hate the truths' of the real world.
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😊❤️
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delightful…and love the quote by Hugo! 🙂
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Thanks Susan❣😊
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chocolate and flowers—doesn’t get much better does it? 🙂
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It surely does not!!! 👍❤️😊
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“There that I feel protected and at home, and every flower and weed is a friend and every tree a lover.” This is how I feel in certain forests, including the little forest in my backyard.
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I’m so glad you have such a place❣😊🌹
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Love this post. When I need to get away all I have to do is step out the door and into the garden. I wish all could have this opportunity.
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Same here and I wish the same❣👍😊
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