My biggest lesson: gratitude

"If you build it, he (they) will come." That famous line from the movie, "Field of Dreams"--while cliche--is true. I'm imagining the scene out in the empty Iowa farm field, at night, with the crickets chirping ... with the promise of what could be, but is not yet ... with the Corn starting to bolt in the warm, fertile soil.

That scene--its images, sounds, and hints of warmth, scents, and tastes--says summer to me. It's replaying itself outside my window right now, and it is truly heaven. (Not Iowa, but close!)

The movie also reminds me that sometimes all it takes to get something new going--something of value for sharing with others--is taking action and following your instincts.

Two years ago, this month, I wrote a post about lessons I had learned that spring. And when I invited others to join in three months later, the lessons they shared astounded me. Some were practical, others artistic, and still others were actually spiritual life lessons.

It's true that if you build it, they will come. The goal of this meme is to share any lessons you've learned in your garden. And I am deeply grateful and honored to be a part of this dialogue.

Here are lessons from gardeners who linked in their blog posts:

1. Karin at Southern Meadows, in Georgia, shared new things she learned about plant mutations and posted a photo of a fasciated Foxglove. It's an informative post that also includes facts about lady beetles and black swallowtails. Check out Karin's exquisite photo of a raindrop on a Plum blossom.

2. Donna at Gardens Eye View, in New York, offered the wisdom of simple things--Milkweed plants that offer childhood memories and nourishment for Monarch butterflies, and graceful planters with simple statement flowers in a single color. You'll want to see how she did it. (A special thank-you to Donna for collaborating on the Lessons Learned/Seasonal Celebrations tie-in!)

3. Holly at Roses and Other Gardening Joys, in Texas, had jury duty this spring. While it was a rewarding experience, it reminded her of how she is the judge and jury in her own garden--which can be both rewarding and unpleasant. A plant that was a thug in her garden--Indigofera decora--just had to go.

4. Jason at Garden in a City, in Illinois, shared a delightfully humorous story of his history with Morning Glories and spending too much money on a plant that's better started from seeds. This is an all-too-familiar story for me, for various reasons. You will chuckle when you read Jason's post!

5. Michelle at The Sage Butterfly, near Washington, DC, made the journey from spring into summer with grace and beauty. Because her spring unfolded slowly, "blooms seemed to last forever, delicately opening to reveal a magical place deep within that remained for longer than usual." Michelle shared her lessons of appreciation and patience.

6. Rose at Prairie Rose's Garden, in Illinois, reminded us to capture garden moments while we can. One day her Baptisia plant was beginning to bloom, and the next time she checked it, the blooms were gone. Rose's post is full of garden and life lessons. And coming from a veteran gardener who's still learning, her wisdom offers hope and joy to all of us.

Others who participated through their comments, include Lynne at Irish Garden House, who "noticed more than learned"--which is a wise comment in itself. Angie at Angie's Garden Diaries learned not to waste time and effort on plants that simply don't want to grow in her garden. Christy at Christy's Cottage Wildlife Garden relearned that sometimes baby birds don't survive, and that it's best not to be overzealous at weed-pulling in the early spring.

Aaron at Garden of Aaron thought some of his plants were dead, only to find them thriving a short time later. Kathleen at Kasey's Korner reminded us that the more we learn, the more there is to know. Donna at Garden Walk, Garden Talk mentioned there's too much knowledge to gain in life, and too little time. Deb at Deb's Garden relearned that native plants tend to thrive more than non-natives in her garden.

Janet at Plantaliscious discovered the scorching effects of salt-laden winds on new plants, having recently moved to the coast of Wales. Helene at Graphicality-UK learned from last year's unusually wet growing season to use slow-release fertilizers to keep the nutrients in the soil as much as possible.

I've noticed other "lessons" posts around the garden blogosphere. I didn't link them in here because the blog owners didn't request it, and asking everyone if they were interested seemed a comprehensive task. But if you've written a post during the past few months that fits here, feel free to add the link in your comments. And likewise, if I've forgotten anyone please let me know and I'll update the post.

Thanks, again, everyone! All I can say is that my biggest lesson is gratitude ... for your friendships, sharing, and participation.