A garden of memories

My garden, much like my house,

is a place where memories become fused with dreams.

Each plant and shrub has a story connected with it,

relating to where I may have gotten it,

who may have given it to me,

and my own personal associations.

This Annabelle hydrangea was a gift from

my dear friend, Country Bob.

I have gardened here for almost 15 years,

and much life has passed

in that time.

When we first moved here,

there were some common

lavender-colored irises in front

and a swath of orange daylilies along the back.

It has grown significantly since then.

The large central bed in the back was established in 1998.

Even when nothing is in bloom,

it is a study in form and texture.

This Forever and Ever hydrangea was added last year
and is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

These shade-loving hostas and ferns

found their home here in 2000.

We built the garage in 1998
and the garden sprung up around it.
Shortly before he died, my son helped me
build the central bed in the front.
After his death, we planted oodles
of perennials to round it out
and to remain connected to life.

Gardening is good therapy.

The patio is sited in a spot that held a swimming pool
for our children when they were young.
Their squeals of joy still echo from here sometimes;
if you listen closely you can hear them.

An Americana climber is coming to embrace

its new home in the front, central bed.

This one is my daughter's favorite rose.

My garden dreams include:

more roses, more shrubbery, stone paths,

additional iron fencing, and a water feature.

Then I might be able to say that the garden is finished.

Who am I kidding? No garden is ever complete.

On this Memorial day, I wish you some time

for reflection and for reverie---

a time to remember and a time to dream.

Until next time...

Anne