A sentimental journey

As a child, I was immersed by my father in the importance of agriculture and an appreciation for the natural world. My love of gardening was further nourished while living in England by their cottage gardens and estates.
Upon our return to the States, we moved to the lake and began to landscape around the large sand mound in the back and rock terrain in the front.
The garden design grew in many different directions. My husband died after a battle with ALS, and I wanted to be surrounded by the memories of us both working in the garden. Many of the plants have strong sentimental value, as they came from my mother’s garden, and were planted by my husband and my father.
I find vintage objects and often add them throughout the gardens, creating a rather eclectic appearance. As a child, my favorite two books were “The Secret Garden” and “Alice in Wonderland,” which I have tried to represent in various parts of the garden.
Working in the garden is a time I can grow in my faith as I marvel at the colors and beauty of the flowers, the warmth of a sunny day, and the birds nesting in the shrubs and birdhouses.