There are perks to rainy weather

A few nights ago as I was cleaning up after another fabulous homemade dinner (I had to sneak that in there), one of the many April showers we've had was rolling in. Suddenly the sky went from grey to almost black and our entire landscape fell into shadow...except for two things...a small Dr. Merrill Magnolia right off our deck and the Marieke Daffodils planted underneath.

Now I know from an unofficial poll of friends, family and customers that Magnolias are either a plant you love or hate. I have heard the "why would you ever want something that blooms for like five minutes" from my own mother, who is a lover of all things that are green and grow in soil.

I sit on the other side of the fence. I adore Magnolias of all shapes and colors. And the reason you want one is for instances like the one I had a few nights ago.

In that moment I was captivated. I would post a photo, but it could never convey how surreal it was.

It was as if the white magnolia pedals were glowing and the yellow of the daffodils were being hit by rays of sun that weren't there. There was a light wind that made the objects of my attention gently flutter, like they were dancing. It was like something you would see in a movie that cost $1.5 million to create, but it was happening right outside my window for free.

Occasionally I have these stages where I get tired of gardening and landscaping in general because it's my life's work. All of us in this industry that fiercely love what we do go through these spells where you never want to see another plant!

And then there are moments like I've just described...and the lover affair starts anew.