A Sweet Memory in the Garden

Today I was busy today catching up on lots of weeding, feeding and general maintenance tasks in our urban garden/homestead - things I didn't get done last week while preparing for Mother's Day. I decided to move some potted things around, create a different look - you know how you make yourself crazy. Your heart says, "sit down, enjoy!" But your mind says, "just one more thing . . ."

I found myself staring at The Face. I smile whenever I look at the Face - now even more so. The Face and the perennial  Gay Feather planted in it were the last purchases we made from our Garden Guru, Tim, who left us way too early two years ago. 

Over the years, from an apartment terrace to the purchase of a home and a "real" garden, Tim advised us, corrected us, and most importantly, infected us with his love of growing things. Making the trip to his Garden Center at each season was always a joy for us. Our friends would give us gift certificates to the place on holidays and birthdays, knowing how much we loved it.

Sadly, the garden center is also now gone. It wouldn't be the same for us anyway. But I look around my garden and I see plantings that Tim recommended over the years and tools that I use every day just like he said I would. And I look at The Face and I smile. Remember to build cherished memories with your garden, along with everything else you pull from it. 

"When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there is always the garden" (Minnie Aumonier).

Thanks for the lesson, Tim.