Within a matter of weeks, we have moved from the mild temperatures of spring to triple-digit heat here in north Texas. Personally, the heat doesn’t bother me too much; I just don’t have the complexion for massive doses of sun even with multiple applications of sunscreen. The freckles of my southern California childhood have reappeared, and I have to force myself to go inside after eleven in the morning. And so, for now, I can work early or late in the garden, and leave the middle part of the day to those who can tolerate the sun!
This week, we have started several hardscape projects in the garden: two pillars in Issachar for a sundial and compass rose; two platforms in Issachar for the Torah tablets and an outdoor globe; the Star of David base for the outdoor Menorah between Dan and Manasseh; a stone gateway for the eastern exit from the garden into the field of the Gentiles, and a French drain in Judah to accommodate the run-off when it rains again. Once these features are completed, the gardeners can get to work preparing planting beds in the remaining tribes. Then we will be ready to plant in September.
Our focus right now is on the tribe of Issachar. Issachar, the “rawboned donkey” of Genesis 49:14, was known for his strength, power and independent nature. These characteristics are coupled with Issachar’s ability to bear a burden without stubbornly lying down, and to understand the times and seasons. Issachar is closely connected to the month of Iyyar, the second month. Iyyar is a month for revelation, understanding, healing, and second chances. I am eager to get started on Issachar since it is the tribe with which Chuck most identifies.
As soon as I publish this post, I will be finishing my work for the day and preparing to celebrate Shabbat. I hope you can do the same! In the meantime, enjoy the photos!
Shabbat Shalom.
Posted by Eunice on June 17, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Shabbat Shalom
Posted by Karen on June 18, 2011 at 1:53 am
Your update was awesome with the work that is next to be started! I love this verse! Be still and know that I am God! It is a favorite of mine. Do you have a nice wide brim sun hat! Your heat is hotter than here in Florida. We are only two digits not three. That surprises me. Thank you so much for letting us see the gardens progression! What a great idea this has been to blog on it.
Posted by Betty Moore on June 18, 2011 at 9:01 pm
This garden never ceases to amaze me. Even the fig tree is producing fruit! It is wonderful that all are joining in to help.
Posted by Penny jackson on June 20, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Love the style of the Menorah!
Posted by maria wennberg on June 23, 2011 at 2:35 am
Pam , thank you once again for sharing the beauty of the Garden. Your pictures are worth a thousand words over and over again. The magnolia trees are amazing. I saw one blossom before I left at Pentecost, and marveled at its beauty not knowing what it was. Your continual sharing of the growth of the garden, enable those of us who can’t be there physically, to enjoy and be so greatly blessed by the incredible work you and your faithful team do, under the amazing guidance of the Greatest Architect. I can see the impact this garden is having on James and am very excited to see God’s continual molding of him and stretching as he releases the sounds of heaven. Thank you James. Love to you Pam and every member of your working warriors in the Garden. Maria