Andy was 43 years of age before he lived in a house with a garden – allotments and vegetables were the extent of his gardening life until then. The new garden was a weedy mess roughly 60’x20’ but what to put in it? Well, the answer to that was simple – whatever Irene wanted! A lawn grown from seed; roses ; daffodils; wallflowers; tulips ; marigolds ; pansies – all are vivid in my memory.
In his final garden, Allen planned ahead and laid out a large gravel area which under the guidance of Jean, my mother-in-law , has become a really interesting and colorful ”pot” garden.
2 gracious women who have influenced my gardening journey…….. but there are many others. I have already mentioned Anna whose kindness got me into crevice gardening; Sandi organized the garden sharing group that helped me learn about gardening in the deep south; both Cyndy and Sandy spent time showing us their incredible gardens, inspirational in the use of alpines and conifers respectively. And then there is Jen.
Jen is the founder and director of a community garden, ”just let your soul grow” in the NE of England. She organizes and runs gardening programs for families, children, seniors – encouraging the community to grow their own veg, understand the therapeutic value of being in the garden and just enjoying each others’ company. Jen is the role model of the selfless gardener. The garden is also a venue for a seniors’ exercise and bonding community group run by our nephew “Life & More”. Partners in real partnership.
And then there is CP – not only influential in building the garden but good fun to hang out with. Today was plant hunting for the Japanese garden – another small step forward!
AndAllenGarden 