Deer Path Gardens

06/19/2026

Yesterday my senses were awakened by the Heavenly aroma. This little wild rose does nothing to sustain itself, and she doesn’t worry about tomorrow. So neither should we! God watches over us all!
Read God’s promises in Matthew 6:25-34.

06/18/2026

From a Friend: Info about the Prickly Pear Cactus:

“Fun fact: Michigan’s only native cactus is the prickly pear.

Because apparently surviving droughts, blazing sun, and being covered in tiny needles wasn’t enough of a challenge, it also decided to survive Michigan winters.

I spotted this one blooming while working and had to stop for a picture.

The fruit can be made into jelly, jam, syrup, candy, and drinks. The pads are edible too, and it’s been used medicinally for generations.

As someone who spends way too much time gardening, foraging, and generally eating things most people mow over, I think it’s pretty cool.

That said, while some people look at this and see lunch, I still see a plant that’s looking for an excuse to stab me.

The cactus and I have a healthy respect for each other’s boundaries. 🌵😂”
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The picture below is one of two that grow in the wildflower meadow of Deer Path Gardens.

06/18/2026

Deer Path Gardens … after the soft rain this evening. (6-17-2026)

06/17/2026

06/15/2026

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7

06/10/2026

We had a sweet little visitor resting in our garden this morning. After I took the pictures, it laid down and all I could see was its ears. Its mommy knows our gardens are a safe place for her baby - especially so close to the house. She’s somewhere nearby having breakfast… she’ll return or call it to her soon.

06/05/2026

Peonies are such gorgeous spring flowers, I thought you would like a quick view of the peonies in Ann Arbor, Michigan. So many varieties! I’d never heard of this garden before, but I think it would be worth the drive!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18iJJ8ESYY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

06/04/2026

A beautiful garden is not measured only by the flowers it grows, but by the life it welcomes.

Every bird that finds shelter in a nesting box, every bee that stops for a drink on a warm afternoon, every turtle that safely crosses a path, and every stray cat that discovers a quiet corner to rest reminds us that our gardens can be more than places of beauty—they can be places of refuge.

Small actions matter. A shallow water dish. Native flowers. A patch of wild growth. A safe passage through the yard. These simple choices create a world that feels a little gentler for the creatures sharing it with us.

As gardeners, we have a unique opportunity to nurture not only plants, but entire ecosystems. The kindness we extend to wildlife often goes unseen, yet it ripples outward in ways we may never fully know.

Be remembered as someone who made life a little gentler for the creatures around you.

The bird searching for shelter,
the bee looking for water,
the turtle crossing the road,
the stray cat seeking a quiet place.

Not all kindness is meant for people. 💚

What is one thing you've done in your garden to help local wildlife?

— Shared from a friend’s page.

06/03/2026

The Kousa Dogwoods are blooming and the flower petals will remain white and resplendent for about 6 weeks. We have about six mid-size trees in the gardens and several small trees that we propagated and growing in small containers. They will be ready to plant in about 1 year. (Photo: 8:30pm June 2, 2026)

The Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) is a stunning, slow-to-moderate growing ornamental tree native to Asia. Highly valued for its exceptional resistance to the diseases that often afflict native North American dogwoods, it provides multi-season interest through its spring blooms, summer fruit, vibrant fall foliage, and exfoliating bark.