Only in Lancaster

In the last half a dozen years, we have gone to the Lancaster's Symphony New Year's Eve concert.  The conductor always prefaces and concludes the evening with the phrase, "only in Lancaster."  Today on this Fourth of July weekend, I enjoyed another "only in Lancaster" privilege.  I picked a table arrangement of zinnias, daisies, and plumes for only $3.00 from an Amish garden.

The Amish farm is over the covered bridge, around the corner, and up hill from our house.  A mule drawn wagon passes us as we climb the last elevation before reaching the picture-perfect cutting garden.

A table sits in front of the flowerbed bearing a sign, "Cut Your Own Flowers".

Upon closer inspection, on the folding table, you find another handwritten sign:  "Sunflowers .25 each, all other flowers $1.00 a dozen".  The plastic container, weighed down with rocks, awaits deposits.  Even a pair of scissors is laid out for the using.  What trust; it is all on the honor system.

I always appreciate the simple beauty of the garden.  The grass is neatly edged.

 Flowers are planted in careful rows by type.

The landscape designer planted with an eye to the eventual height of the blooms.  The tallest sunny faces are in the back row, while the short colorful blossoms are in front.

  

On the way home, we cross a second covered bridge.

 Then we pass a tiny potting cottage...

which sits beside a sweet guest house.

What beauty we enjoy...only in Lancaster.

This Fourth of July, I hope you each celebrate the unique brand of freedom we enjoy only in the United States of America.