Elko County Rose Garden

Garden Poems

For me gardening lets my mind wander. Here are some poems/prose, written from the garden. If you build it - They will come.

I've Been a Bit Naive

I was strolling through the garden

this warm, enchanted summer's eve.

When for some odd reason,

I realized - I've been a bit naive.

For, before this very moment,

I've never thought of ladybug toes,

of butterfly kisses, bumblebee knees,

or does a cricket really have a nose.

It's these little important things

that I really do not know.

Like, if ants wore pants -

where would the zipper go?

This thoughtful curiosity, though,

has quite taken me by surprise.

Are daddy-long-legs footloose

and what is the color of their eyes?

Does the mantis really know how to pray?

Might an aphid have a dimple on her chin?

Does the male black widow taste like chicken?

And, is dining on your lover, really such a sin?

With so much new to consider -

now that I have seen the light.

I really must take my leave.

For my quest is now insight.

- Dan Turner 7-7-01

Elko, Nevada

The "idea" for this "poem" came from reading about the roses 'Butterfly Kisses' (1999), by Diann Giles, Giles Rose Nursery, Florida and 'Bee's Knees'™ (1998), by Dr. Keith W. Zary, Bear Creek Gardens, Jackson and Perkins.

The One I Called A Weed

Photo by Dorothy Turner

Within my garden the roses grow,

so beautiful and bright.

With so many from which to choose -

where did the butterfly alight?

On the yellow dandelion, of course.

That's where she stopped to rest.

Of all the fragrant flowers ...

it's the one she liked the best!

The one I distained as obnoxious.

The one I considered an ugly sight.

This Painted Lady favored it the most!

This blossom brought her delight.

The flower that was most desired.

The one for which I had no need.

Was chosen above all the others.

The one I called a weed.

~~~~~~

Now there is a moral here.

I know it may seem contrite.

But in the search of truth and wisdom.

Not to mention it - doesn't seem right.

Does this pretty, yellow flower

deserve greater respect and love?

Or was this winged goddess -

just a stupid bug?

So, when you feel disdain about you.

Recall this moral of - 'who really knows?'

Just don't let them stunt your growth.

For your beauty - may truly outshine the rose.

- Dan Turner 5/11/01

Elko, Nevada

A Little White Butterfly
Dan Turner 6/30/00

A little white butterfly
dancing among the leaves
in search of a little nectar
not noticed by the bees

I tried to take a picture
I even asked with please
but the butterfly prevailed
it must surely like to tease

So I settled for a ladybug
her speed was not so great
when she smiled and gave a wink
only for a moment, did I hesitate

For a ladybug on a budded rose
looks so innocent and sweet
unless, perhaps, you’re an aphid
for you may be - a tasty little treat.

The following was written for someone moving from Nevada to Portland, OR.

Nevada

'Nevada' rose is but white and pure.
Nevada state has much more - I'm sure.
Snow-clad mountain and neon sign.
Here, both good and evil, you can find.

The choice you see - is for you to make.
Here free will remains yours to take.
Live simply 'neath the clear blue skies.
Or choose painted ladies with green eyes.

Portland can't compare with this.
Only cloudy skies and eyes of mist ...

- Dan Turner 1/7/1
Elko, Nevada

A Little Kindness
Dan Turner 6/23/00

A little kindness shown
the cost is oh so small
a flower in a plastic bottle
given to be enjoyed by all

Quiet Hero
Dan Turner 6/23/00

He is a quiet hero
in kindness he believes
like an English rose
hidden among the leaves

An unassuming prince
with no desire to be a king
content within, not seeking fame
gentle as a breeze in spring

Roses for Mom
Authors Unknown

I would rather have a single faded rose from the garden of my son

Than to have the choicest flowers when my stay on earth is done.

I would rather have one single word of kindness said to me

Than flattery around my grave when life has ceased to be.

So send to me one flower, be it pink or white or red

For I’d rather have one bloom today than an armload when I’m dead.

To Your Health

Slippery, slimy, slithering slugs.

How dare you show your little mugs.

Chomping holes wherever you please.

Dining on the loveliest Hosta leaves.

But ... since you seem to be my guest.

Before you begin your evening's quest.

A little night-time toddy might be nice.

Perhaps, something with a dash of spice.

Wait! I know - it seems so clear.

How about salty chips with beer?

- Dan Turner 8/18/01

Elko, Nevada

We had a Special Visitor
Dan Turner 7/02/00

We had a special visitor
who came to stay a bit.
We must be a bed and breakfast
for baby birds to sit.

With no sense of fear
nor desire to fly away.
Perhaps she knew our puppy
would keep the cats at bay.

She waited for a camera pose.
A small gesture of goodwill
I wonder how they smile,
with that tiny bill?

She hopped into the branches
with one mighty leap.
I wonder what birds dream of
when they’re fast asleep?

Bees & Ladybugs
Dan Turner 7/04/00

Early Sunday morning
with camera in my hand
I went into the garden
without a special plan

Then I saw a bumblebee
landing on Dainty Bess
she stomped thru the stamens
not daintily - I must confess

Canada was the next stop
William Baffin was the pick
she explored the deep pink ones
the pollen here was thick

Then off to Belle Story
like beauty and the beast
I’m sure that Mr. Austin knows
that these were quite a feast

Her legs were getting heavy
but her journey was not complete
she headed clear across the yard
it was really quite a feat

When she landed on Applejack
the rose swung to and fro
and nearly bucked her off
a wee bit of nectar, just a sip to go

Then she stumbled off the petals
her legs swinging back and forth
over the fence she headed
straight off toward the north.

It seems no one looked at the roses...
Dan Turner 7/05/00

I was pruning in the garden late one summer eve. When I noticed that no one seemed to enjoy the roses, as they were passing by. I think that they are so pretty, even though, a bit garish they may be. So I asked a man who happened by, "aren't the flowers pretty?" His reply took me by surprise. "Oh, I guess they are as pretty as you can see. But the multi-colored plastic ones - the colors are much brighter, they last longer, are cheaper and are a lot less work for me." I stood there for a moment trying to think what Graham Thomas might have said. Then just as I had formed my response, he added "If you spray a little perfume on them - they smell more sweet than these." I thanked him for his perspective and watched him on his way. For a moment, I contemplated digging up my garden and replacing them with simulated flowers made with colored dye. Just then a sparrow, who was listening on the fence, flitted down and looked me in the eye. Then to my amazement he began to speak. "Can you believe that guy? I bet he has plastic frog in his yard. The one with batteries - that makes an irritating croak. Don't worry my friend, and my friend you are. We all love the roses. The birds, the bees, the ladybugs and butterflies, and even the aphid, too. So don't you worry and don't despair. We all care. And as far as I'm concerned you're not so bad yourself. " I stood there for a minute, hoping I was asleep. Then I looked at the sparrow who shrugged his shoulders, chirped and flew away. I really don't know what happened here. But of one thing I am sure. The birds and bees, butterflies and ladybugs, and even the aphids, too, will always be welcome here. To rest among these fragrant flowers without a plastic frog.