http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.valleyvista.co.nz en-us Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:41:31 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/post/74441/waiting/ Waiting (in the garden)Waiting. Something we are all used to doing. It’s natural, not always easy. While we were embryo’s, waiting to be brought into this world, our mothers were waiting to bring us here. Our fathers were waiting. We waited to start school, to move up a level, to finish school, to start our lives as adults. Sometimes, the waiting was more fun than the actuality. Not usually in the garden. In the garden, we plan, we plant, we sow. We feel like imitating that well known farme... Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:23:20 +1300 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/#post74441 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/post/73779/colouring-in-your-garden/ Colour in your life Colour. For some, colour is anathema. They would rather wear black, appear sophisticated, think they show power and strength. Yes, those attributes may be part of black. So is depression. Big time. One cannot hide in black. One can bring one’s self down though, plus others around you. Yes, in the garden, the occasional black (or very dark purple ) bloom is desirable. Imagine though if all the garden were to consist only of these dark blooms. Hmm. Luckily, gardens tend to ab... Tue, 26 Oct 2021 20:41:36 +1300 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/#post73779 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/post/73461/finding-strength-in-trees/ Find strength in trees Trees. Those big things that grow in our parks, gardens, farms; by our river banks and by our waterways. Big or small, these trees have their own purpose in our lives, their own ecological niche in the world. Trees live to a very old age, if we let them and give them the right growing conditions. In the USA is a pear tree around 400 years of age. In New Zealand, we have a pear tree in Kerikeri just a shade over 200 years old. Trees have been providing food for us over the ... Mon, 18 Oct 2021 18:42:15 +1300 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/#post73461 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/post/73227/scent-in-the-night/ Gardens can be joyous places. Walking in your garden in the evening, or under a moonlit sky, can be a profound experience. Of course, some plants and flowers display better under moonlight than others. These plants are worth meditating on when you are seeking hope in the darkness, or quiet repose. Artemisia is a beautiful, fern like herb, its silvery foliage displaying to advantage in the moonlight. As it gently moves, wafting in any slight breeze, it reminds one of the fleeting nature of every ... Tue, 12 Oct 2021 19:05:46 +1300 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/#post73227 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/post/72927/take-it-slowly/ Focus on slow living We need to learn to focus, sometimes. Especially when we need to reframe our dreams and reshape our world. In your garden, Lemon Balm will be one of your best friends when you need uplifting and to bring a joyful focus to bear on whatever is causing you bother or worry. Meditate on Lemon Balm, concentrate on the fresh green leaves, almost heart shaped. Rub your fingers along the spine under the leaf and let the scent carry into your senses. Try not to think, just let the tho... Tue, 05 Oct 2021 19:24:00 +1300 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/#post72927 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/post/72395/finding-love-in-your-garden/ Finding Love in the Garden If you want more love in your life, find it first in your garden. Plant and look after the various flowers, shrubs, herbs and even trees; they all represent love. Roses are the absolute classic flower for messages of love. The colours are said to have different meanings, with red roses always accepted as pertaining to romantic love. Meditate upon a rose, set your intent to find true love. Concentrate on the shape and form of the petals, the way they are all packed into... Mon, 27 Sep 2021 12:22:06 +1300 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/#post72395 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/post/72132/gardening-for-the-soul/ Gardening with IntentAll plants, flowers, herbs have their own meanings. To heal yourself spiritually and mentally, garden with intent; plant the things that bring you joy, that centre you, uplift or give courage. “I, Borage, bring always courage”   Originally a Latin phrase, borage was known to lift people’s spirits. Courage had this meaning then, not insane bravery as we understand courage now. Think about the glorious blue of borage flowers, with the (usually) pink star in the... Mon, 20 Sep 2021 20:09:26 +1200 http://www.valleyvista.co.nz/blog/#post72132