I am a gardener, an educated one too with a certificate in horticulture and I'm a Master Gardener. That doesn't mean I remember everything I've learned but I continue to attend lectures and seminars to wake up the buried facts and learn new ones. I've had a gardening column for over 10 years and like how I can use words to express feelings, make descriptions and even convince readers they should buy a certain plant.
Today I'm joining Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday for the first time as I like the idea of a challenge to come up with words as she goes through the alphabet each week. I see this as an opportunity to learn and use new words, whether they be nouns, verbs or adjectives.
I've been to a couple of famous gardens and have gardens all around our home as we've removed all the grass but 'gardens' is too easy for the letter 'G' and after browsing my photo files, settled upon 'Gargoyle' - how about a grotesque gargoyle? They are faces or figures that have traditionally been placed on the gutter of buildings and they can be seen as part of old architecture in Europe. I suppose they were used to scare off evil spirits and can play the same role in a garden.
Today I'm joining Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday for the first time as I like the idea of a challenge to come up with words as she goes through the alphabet each week. I see this as an opportunity to learn and use new words, whether they be nouns, verbs or adjectives.
I've been to a couple of famous gardens and have gardens all around our home as we've removed all the grass but 'gardens' is too easy for the letter 'G' and after browsing my photo files, settled upon 'Gargoyle' - how about a grotesque gargoyle? They are faces or figures that have traditionally been placed on the gutter of buildings and they can be seen as part of old architecture in Europe. I suppose they were used to scare off evil spirits and can play the same role in a garden.
This grotesque gargoyle sits at the entrance to a friend's garden and is expected to keep out unwanted visitors. A little too scary to have in most gardens, but effective.
I hope you'll join my host to see what the letter 'G' means for others.
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32 comments:
I think he is quite a sweet gargoyle - not too grotesque;-)
Hi Judith,
just came over from Mrs M's class to visit.
Your friend's gargoyle looks more grumpy than grotesque to me.
Can't blame him though, that perch can't be too comfortable!
Maggie
Not too grotesque for my garden, looks like he's contemplating how to scare the next visitor.
Looks like these gargoyle is sad ^_^ Happy Thursday!
Letter G
Yes, you're right about the gargoyles. We visited Biltmore a couple of years ago and there was someting about the gargoyles on this beautiful estate home. It spoke of how it was once believed gargoyles would keep away evil spirits. Isn't that so strange? I mean...something so ugly intended on keeping evil spirits away would certainly make an evil spirit welcomed I would think. Glad to have you joining the classroom. I'll look forward to reading more of your posts!
Hi Judith, they are a bit too scary for me....interesting, though.
Hope you are staying warm...it is nippy here.
Barb ♥
Hi Judith,
It looks like I need to rely on you for some garden tips! I think Gargoyle is great for the letter "G". Wonderful picture.
I like your idea, and will read along with interest.
Gargoyles? Never a favorite of mine. I really do like the pretty, or the elegant or even the modern that don't understand, but I've never really appreciated the ugly. All those cathedrals in Europe with the horrid gargoyles - I never truly enjoyed them.
Not sure I am a fan of gargoyles they scare me
LOL, I love gargoyles and am drawn to them so I'd visit any place with one or more:-) Great post, I wish I had a knack for gardening cause I would love to grow my own flowers and veggies, or fruit even, but it just never works out for me:-(
I am sure he would keep people out of the garden Judith. V
One of my friends is a master gardner, and has a constant stream of creative ideas - which is my cup of tea. By the way, I've been in England, and 2 of my best friends are English, but none of them ever do an official tea:)
I think he looks sad, but cute.
Gargoyles are interesting. Even the word sounds frightening. I love all the gargoyles you can find on Europe's old architecture.
Hi Judith, This was a fun post! I know someone who collects gargoyles and has them all over his garden. They are interesting creatures.
Have a great weekend! Beth
Have to admit that is one scary looking gargoyle. If I had it I would have to let it peak out from behind foliage. :)
Cher Sunray Gardens
I look forward to following your blog, I love gardening but am not as accomplished as you. I hope to learn from you. I adore gargoyles, my son and I watched a cartoon about them when he was young and this brought back great memories.
I have a couple of these cute guys in my garden and smile when I see them guarding my home and garden. I'd like a few more, in fact.♥♫
Oh yes I too have a gargoyle who has been protecting our house (and us) since we moved here...my daughter now has one of her own....very nice post....gardens are way way better than winter snow....!
A good and fun post Judith! And I like that you are rising to this new challenge this new year. I too love words and working with them so I understand this. And I've never been particularly fond of gargoyles, though I suppose they serve their purpose! Have a pleasant weekend.
dotsie
Hi,Judith.
This is a very interesing post.
The gargoyle is not grotesque. Our family has a Japanese pottery raccoon dog in the garden, which is placed to welcome happiness.
This can be often seen in gardens of old generation like my mother.
Tomoko.
I think it is pretty cool myself. Somehow he reminds me of the Wizard of Oz. I have tried to make my yard pretty, but now find it hard to do. My back does not like me to work in the yard much. So very little gets done. :( Hope to get out there and clean up some of the winter mess though.
~Linnea
My hubs and I garden so I always appreciate someone that knows more than we do. We are learning as we go since we have moved future north in Michigan and have hit some very sandy soil and are surrounded by woods. It is surprising how moving just one hour away will make a difference in the flowers that you grew in a previous garden. Your G's are perfect, but I do not think I would like the Gargoyle, I think I will stick to stone bunnies.
Hi Judith, I love your gargoyle guy. He looks very much at home in your lovely garden. Hope your holidays were wonderful and the best to you in the New Year……..
~Emily
The French Hutch
I really do admire a gardener! I've always enjoyed spotting gargoyles...mostly when looking up in a city.
hopefully it will scare away the squirrels, if you have food growing. An appropriate letter for you to start with. Welcome! {:-Deb
Welcome to Alphabe-Thursday. It can be a bit of a challenge to come up with a word each week, but it's also a lot of fun--especially to read what everyone else chose to feature on their blogs.
HI. Good to see you at Alphabe Thursday. I love your G word, it indeed is a bit scary. LOL
Have a nice week.
Riet
Gargoyles are fascinating statues to me even though they are scary looking. Each one has a different character and personality to see.
They scare me. I always thought they were demonic.~Ames
I usually think they are creepy - but this one looks cute!!
Thanks for visiting! I am visiting from Ms. Jenny's. :)
Hello fellow Master Gardener...
Welcome to the Alphabe-Thursday Gang.... err I mean class...
Thanks for this Great post for the letter "G"...
Looking forward to seeing you next week...
A+
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