My Secret Garden

  Now that I have cut a pathway almost down to the back where the Bayou turns into a creek, I love meandering back there each day.  When cutting, I was careful not to mangle any nests or clear too much in the way of underbrush.  I just wanted a small pathway that would let me observe another small portion of the property.  This time of year, there are any number of dangers lurking in tall grass and scrubby bushes so it was to my best interest to have a walkway.  As soon as the weather dries a bit, I will push a bit further and extend my exploring.  Snakes and ticks are my main concern when traversing in the brush.  

  This afternoon between showers, a hike was in order.  After going the usual route, I headed down to my new pathway.  I was not disappointed as the birds were out as well, which made the walk even more pleasant. Between their singing and the delightfully pungent smell of the woods being wet from the recent shower, I was blissfully unaware of any downside of being on boggy ground.  As I pushed a bit further, a breathtaking scene appeared before me.  Ferns as tall as my shoulder, Wild Blue Irises, Swamp Lilies, Arrowhead Plant and Stoke's Asters made for a beautiful garden.  This totally wild garden could rival any landscaper's attempt.  Come a few months from now, when the plants are in bloom, this will be an incredible sight to behold.  Even now it was thriving.

  Back a few years, the kids and I always loved to hike back in the creek area.  Even though we were taking huge chances of being bitten by a snake, we were oblivious to any danger.  It was as if we had left civilization far behind and found a special place that only existed for us.  I still feel that way.  This is just about as close to paradise as it gets!