June Newsletter ~ 2025
Artzmaker Studio
7775 Sayler Road, Williamsbrug, MI 49690
website: barbarahgreenwood.com
216-870-4072
email: greenwood3863@att.net
Hi All,
Patience. Dictionary.com defines patience as 1) the ability to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay 2) a quiet steady perseverance, even tempered, care, diligence 3) a willingness to allow things to go at their own pace 4) giving things time to breath, allowing for space, holding tight to allow it to unfold at its own speed.
This spring, as I began clearing away the winter from the perennial gardens, “patience” kept floating in and out of my consciousness. This garden, that had begun on a wing and a prayer four years ago, had taught me that there is nothing “fast” about creating a perennial garden. Each year of this adventure, I am seeing, learning and exploring with awe, the magic that happens with gardening.
Having no real knowledge or previous experience with gardening, the dream I had was to plant something that would resemble the gardens I had grown up around during summers spent at the family cottage in Canada.
My maternal great grandfather was from Chatham, Ontario and he had bought a piece of property, with a little red cottage, right on the banks of Lake Erie.
At the end of each school year, my mothers’ various family members would pack up their station wagons with everything needed for the summer. Last but not least, they tossed in the kids and the pets. On through the Detroit/ Windsor Tunnel to the cottage we would go!
Memories of the gardens around the family property in Canada were the inspiration for the plantings I had for my own gardens. In particular, I remember the older Czech couple who lived up the lane. They were the keepers of the gardens. John took care of the vegetables and Mary used her magical touch on the perennials.
Oh my...the beauty of those flowers! Mary’s gardens were filled with hollyhocks, black eye Susans, phlox, Shasta daisies, Lily of the Valley, day lilies and zinnias and even a large patch of rhubarb. In the quiet of the garden the bees buzzed, the oranges of the monarch butterflies floated through, distracting me from the garter snake slithering over my bare toes. The colors just drew me in. There were shades of reds, whites, yellows, oranges, purples, blues and pinks. With these images in my mind I headed off to a gardening center where I filled my basket with seeds, tons of bulbs and plants. Then home I headed to plant my own wondrous garden!
Clearly the motto, “all good things come to those who wait,” should be the mantra for every gardener.
Oh, the lessons I have learned...
~Not much grows in sand.
~Each plant needs a different amount of sun and or shade.
~Plants bloom at different times throughout the season.
~Animals seem to like to rearrange my bulbs.
~Plants that looked dead a couple of weeks ago...may now be showing growth.
~Some years are harder on plants than others.
~Some hydrangeas should only be trimmed in the spring.
~Tongue depressors work great as signs to follow when questioning location and identity of plants.
~Learn to recognize weeds vs. plants.
And finally, though I will never have Monet’s garden or create a Rembrandt or Van Gogh, it is important for me to remember that whatever I create has its own beauty. I will continue to ask questions, learn from others and listen to their ideas and suggestions. I will remember that patience is needed, whether growing a garden, cooking a meal or creating art work. Things may not go according to plan; that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Manifesting something can take years. As my gardening continues to remind me, sometimes you need to step away. Sit, observe and dream. Take a few deep breaths and don’t judge your efforts too harshly. Be patient. Persevere. Enjoy the process.
Updates:
This is “Honey.” My friend Lisa came by for a couple of art sessions to learn how to create a Scribble Drawing. She agreed to let me show her work.
Learn more about a how a Scribble Drawing is created here.
If you would like to attend a class to create your own Scribble at Artzmaker Studio, contact me at (216) 870-4072 or greenwood3863@att.net
Twisted Fish Art Gallery Workshop ~ Creating Mandalas…Out of Darkness Into Light
On May 9, four individuals joined me at the Gallery to create their own mandalas. It was great fun watching these artists work. Thank you!
Thank you also, Lynn Streit! I have truly enjoyed meeting you and appreciated your invitation to hold this workshop! The Twisted Fish Gallery offered a wonderful environment in which to work.
Lynn and I are now in the planning stages for future workshops. Stay tuned and check out their events calendar at https://twistedfishgallery.com/events/ for upcoming classes.
Art Classes at Artzmaker Studio
Although there are no workshops scheduled in June, I have a variety of classes available at the Artzmaker Studio for individuals or groups. Descriptions are listed here on my website. If you have any questions, contact me at (216) 870-4072 or greenwood3863@att.net
And last but not least, my art work is available at the following locations:
~Crooked Tree Art Center in Traverse City, Michigan
~The Oliver Art Center in Frankfort, Michigan
~Twisted Fish Art Gallery in Elk Rapids, Michigan
~and of course in my studio, Artzmaker Studio in Williamsburg, Michigan
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at greenwood3863@att.net
or (216) 870-4072
That’s all for now,
Barb
Check out my website at barbarahgreenwood.com
Artzmaker Studio
7775 Sayler Road, Williamsbrug, MI 49690
website: barbarahgreenwood.com
216-870-4072
email: greenwood3863@att.net