Look what the wind blew in – a reminder
of summer, when my grandgirls came from Oregon to visit. Since they were little I
have given them printed scavenger hunt sheets to use while they explore the garden.
Before they were readers I took photos in the garden (of flowers, ornaments,
signs) and added them to Word documents.The girls would “x” each image as they found
it. Now I have a variety of scavenger hunt sheets with written directions or questions at the ready – some easy,
some advanced, for them and for younger children who come to visit. After a blustery
day last week, I walked out to find paper copies of one version trapped in a salvia. This inspired
a bouquet.
The first task, finding something to match my husband Cliff's brown eyes, was easy. I pruned some shrubs and a walnut tree, selecting some of the darkest branches, surrounding the vase with some redwood cones for more rich brown.

The second task, finding something in the garden to match my own eyes, proved harder. My eyes are hazel, which I’ve always meant a greenish-brownish color. I turned the camera around and snapped a picture of my eye. What a surprise – who knew my eye had so many colors? Ornamental grasses, a mix of greens and browns, came close. Needed something bluer, so I added some cuttings from buddleia and dusty miller.
Next on the list: find a flower that has two colors. No problem; the Fourth of July rose is still blooming, as are the red-and-yellow blanket flowers. Find a flower that has three colors - another rose, and peachy snapdragons. Voila! The scavenger hunt bouquet of the day is done.