The Sun Will Rise and The Sun Will Set (Lessons Learned as the Seasons Change)

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite the darkness."

~Desmond Tutu

A few days ago, I stopped by Lake Waubesa to see if the ice had melted. After an unusual, record-breaking stretch of mild weather, I knew the ice shacks would be gone. What I didn't know was that I'd have a front-row seat to a spectacular sunset.

The sky was on fire and colorful in every direction. The lake was still frozen, but showing signs of cracking and opening with the sun's unseasonable warmth.









This experience didn't impart new knowledge; rather, it prompted spiritual acceptance that the sun will always rise and will always set ... until it doesn't. I might as well enjoy moments of beauty and gifts of living on this stunning, fragile planet, as it spins through space. I'll try to do my part, as one of many stewards of its resources.

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How about you? What garden inspirations and lessons have you learned or reflected on during the past season?

Contributions from both hemispheres and all continents are welcome! To join in the "Garden Lessons Learned" meme, simply write a post or share one you've already written about lessons you've learned during the past season. Then share your links or observations in the comments on this post. This post will be available always under the "Lessons Learned" tab at the top of this blog. I'll share your posts on the PlantPostings Facebook Page closer to the equinox.

Happy spring to friends in the Northern Hemisphere, and happy autumn to those in the Southern Hemisphere!

(I'm taking a little blogging break for an exciting adventure! I'll share highlights after I return.)

A Peaceful Hike at Durward's Glen

I miss warm-weather hikes. As winter settles in, I'm dreaming about the trails that call me during the spring, summer, and fall.

One of our favorite family hiking destinations over the years has been Durward's Glen, 30 miles north of Madison in the Baraboo Hills. The 40-acre property is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public daily, from dawn until dusk. It's had a rich tradition of contemplative, physical, and spiritual renewal since the mid-19th Century. (Visit this link for more on the history of Durward's Glen.)

Photos in this post were from a late summer hike a couple of years ago.



The Glen, itself, is punctuated by a gentle stream, a peaceful woodland, and fascinating rock ridges.



During the growing season, wildflowers, like this Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), greet visitors along the paths.



The main loop is a relatively easy hike for families. A simple bridge crosses the stream, and then the trail becomes a little narrower and can be a little muddy after a heavy rain.



Visitors feel a sense of history and serenity, seeing the carefully placed figures and the explanations of their significance.



The geology of the place is stunning. Deep gorges were formed in the sandstone and conglomerate rock over time, exposing the quartzite bluffs.



How do trees survive like this, growing out of rock and with their roots partially exposed?



One of the tallest trees on the property is a nearly 400-year-old White Oak (Quercus alba), registered in Wisconsin as one of the state's oldest of that species.



If you like blackberries, they're plentiful along the walking path.



Well-maintained gardens line the stairs leading to the Holy Family shrine.



The shrine was sculpted in Italy from white carrara marble.



Blooms vary by season. In early August during this visit, Rudbeckias (R. maxima or submentosa) and Michigan Lilies (Lilium michiganense) were the stars.







Also, sweet-smelling garden Phlox (P. paniculata).



One of the prettiest little gardens is a prayer circle with a statue of St. Anthony of Padua at the center.



Butterflies, like this Great Spangled Fritillary, warm their wings nearby.



Durward's Glen is a peaceful place, whether you visit for a short hike, a day of reflection, or an organized retreat.

Visit this link for more about the history of Durward's Glen.
Visit this link for a quick video of the facility and the grounds.