Photos courtesy of Reggie Greenberg

Today’s guest post is from Reggie Greenberg, another of our loyal readers here at Garden Variety. Reggie is a very spiritual gardener. And she isn’t too shabby with a camera, either. I think speak for everyone here at Garden Variety --We'd love to see a picture of the herb-flavored doghouse! 

My two year old Doberman/shepherd loves to dig and eat plants, grass and shrubs, making planting a garden in the backyard a bit of a challenge. I installed lily beds outside her fence, but I decided to plant my herb garden in the sun and out of her reach on the roof of her dog house, out of harms way, but close to the kitchen. 
 Every morning, I give her fresh water and  drench the herbs with the old water from her bowl.
The fragrances of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary waft up as I brush past the leaves.   I close my eyes breathing in the aromas as the warm air ruffles through my hair and caresses my skin.  
I am transported by the sound of the breeze rustling through millions of leaves overhead in the tulip poplars.  The wind whispers a melody as it moves along the branches like the bow on the strings of a violin.  My breathing rises and falls with the rhythm of the music as it swirls through the trees, teasing me to surf in the forest canopy.   I long to rise with the gusts to heights where only the red tailed hawk soars, leaving present day crises behind me.
 
 When I open my eyes the symphony has ended.  The fragrance of the basil and the feel of the cold steel dog bowl still in my hand bring me back to reality.  The newspaper lies open on the deck.  Somehow the cold realities of life are easier to digest now that I have been refreshed by the unexpected delights of the garden.  I can face the bad news when I know I can return to sanctuary of unimaginable treasures awaiting me in the garden.