I said “goodbye” to Gary exactly eleven years ago today. Every anniversary of his death, I look for a way to remember him. This year was easy. My little front garden needed help and I needed a helper, so my granddaughter, Julia came to my rescue this morning. She not only has an eye for plants that look good together, but knows what she’s doing when it comes to planting, pruning and soil prep. In other words, she has her grandpa’s green thumb.
Gary’s most frequent hobby was his garden, and at the end of every tiring workday, he would be rejuvenated while weeding, watering, or planting some new plant he picked up on the way home.
For over 34 years Gary transformed our yard from a weed-patch with a few fruit trees into a lovely suburban oasis. I shall be forever grateful for our delightful surroundings for so many years.
Gary’s Garden Before:
Gary’s Garden After (Same View):
Both our daughters took after him, and have green thumbs of their own, which they passed on to some of the grandkids. This “love of gardening” trait comes from Gary, not me, but today, fixing up my little 4’ x 10’ patch is my nod to him and to our family for it gives me joy to see Gary’s influence passed on from one generation to another.
And perhaps the most joyful part of this potentially sorrowful day, was spending time with my lovely Julia, as she came alongside me to help me with this project. After shopping for plants together, I did most of the light work while she did the digging! Delightful!
