Sculpted Figure. USA. Tom Clark. Ava. Female Gardner w/Green Head Scarf, Kneeling in Pumpkins, Acorns, & Leaves. 1993. 7.5"H

(March, 1993) Ava the gardener is named for a fellow North Carolinian who was as beautiful as a spring blossom. Now it is autumn, and the summer flowers are turning brown and folding back into the earth. But Ava knows that this is nature's way, for Ecclesiastes 3:1 promises "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven... a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted." So Ava is planting spring bulbs, and next April her garden will again abound with color. There are anemones by her knees and three "mystery" bulbs on the statue. Like myself, Ava sometimes forgets what she has ordered, but is delighted with whatever blooms! If you think she's forgotten her spade, look on the sleeves of her dress. Whens he workks in the garden, Ava ties a kerchief over her hair. In Russian "babushka" means grandmother, and lovely Ava plants a special flower for each of her grandchildren. For many Woodspirits, Ava's tulips are the first "kiss" of spring.