99 Words On: Changes in the Landscape

For thirty-five years our yard bathed in darkness. We purchased it that way. Taller shrubs photosynthesized by outstretching their lowly brethren – becoming leggy while their lessers hunkered.

Disease and the past years’ October storm necessitated the removal of three major shade-makers. Daylight is no longer just for those at the top.

 Three spring months into our new landscape Japanese Spirea, previously secret, wave lacy pink florets; hitherto unseen Rose of Sharon and flowering crabapple rise from the warmth at their roots; while shade-loving hosta and coral bell turn to crinkling rust.

There is a dark side to the sun.