My dad was a gardener and I think that's an understatement really. Mom and Dad had a corner lot that was perfect for us "kids" to play on when were were younger, but as we moved on - became just something that had to be mowed. I understand the feeling because my dining room table is feeling way too large these days.Dad began the process of turning that large expanse of a lawn into a beautiful garden oasis. It sure didn't happen overnight and many times it was experimental. He wanted it as natural as possible so that it would flourish.
We talked about the reality of gardening his way vs the instant garden. It took time and patience to do it his way, something that many of us can't accommodate in our day-to-day lives. With everything we need to do in a week, we often feel we just need to get the job done.
When we moved to our new home here in Peterborough, there were a few things that needed to be changed inside, but it was the outside I really felt compelled to change. Our front garden faces south and required watering regularly as it was anything but drought resistant. I was determined to have it re-made as quickly as possible.
I think the first thing I did was dig out the hostas and relocate them into the shade of the backyard. Then I cut down the weeping pea shrub. I'm sure the previous home owner (who still lives in the neighbourhood) drove by shaking her head. I know that she put a lot of time into the garden and I did appreciate her efforts, but I needed to build something sustainable for me.
During this process though, several things happened in our family but the most significant was the passing of my father. With his passing, many of the activities that I associated with him faded in interest. My flower and vegetable gardens withered and I was absent from the yard for a good long time. It hurt to participate in something he loved to do.
It is true that time heals and we have begun to slowly re-find the joy in those activities. Last year we found a few plants we thought might do well and I haphazardly placed them in the garden. I really wasn't up to it, but felt the poor neighbours deserved something to look at rather than a pile of dirt and a mess of weeds.
Last fall we watched as most of the plants I practically dumped into the garden start to flourish. This little bit of progress encouraged a bit more gardening and we added a few shrubs. Nothing creative, but it moved us along.This spring, we transplanted a few more plants from family gardens. Our yard is slowly being transformed and in the process - so are we.
I had started out building that instant garden but circumstances altered my plan and rather than be annoyed, I actually recognized it as a blessing. Thanks Dad.
