And even though my great-grandmother has been dead for over 30 years, still her garden continues to bloom.
The daffodils multiply each spring, taking over the entire yard and spilling into the countryside beyond.
The crape myrtle that I used to play under as a child still lives. How, I don't know. It has to be at least 50 years old, probably much more. She had three or four. This is the lone survivor.
My great-grandmother influenced me in many ways, though she probably never knew it. Her faith was strong; my faith is because of her. She was loving and forgiving; I can only hope to emulate her. Her garden was, and still remains, a beautiful place; I plant many of the same plants in my own garden.
Gardeners often wonder what will happen to their garden after they are gone. I can not say, but my great-grandmother's garden lives on. Just as her influence does.
"You don't have to be a 'person of influence' to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they've taught me." -- Scott Adams
What a moving post! Somehow the fact that someone lives on through her/his garden long after the person, who planted it all has died is a wonderful thought to me. The garden of your great-grandmother is very beautiful even up to today!
ReplyDeleteChristina
Great post! I love that your great-grandmother's garden is still blooming. What a wonderful tribute to a great woman.
ReplyDeleteThis was moving and brought back memories. I learned on my grandparents estate, but now it has been parceled off into subdevelopments. Not even one tree remained, and he had the oldest oak in the county on his property. So sad too, because my grandfather had rose gardens, fruit orchards, wild flowers with daffs, raised Christmas Trees, and grew some farm crops. He was a gentleman farmer, so the help is who taught me, but I still have the lessons and memories.
ReplyDeleteOur ansectors leave us such a legacy. Mostly without realizing it. Your post brings back fond memories of my grandmother's and the gardening legacy they left for me.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. I am so glad you can still see your great-grandmother's garden and are still inspired by it.
ReplyDeleteChristina - yes, it is a comforting thought to think that our efforts will continue on. That doesn't always happen but wonderful when it does.
ReplyDeleteShannon - yes, I think she would be pleased to know that her garden still blooms. I hope some of my flowers live on after I'm gone.
GWGT - that is so sad. Especially about the oak. But you still have the lessons and memories, so he still lives on through that.
Redneck Rosarian - It is comforting to me that our actions may mean so much to someone without our knowledge. I think most, though probably not all, gardeners had someone before them that inspired their love of gardening.
Masha - I love driving by, and occasionally stopping, by my great-grandmother's property. I have a lot of fond memories there and just the sight of her home is heart-warming to me. I'd hadn't thought much of it, but I suppose this is a rare pleasure many people don't have.
What a wonderful post...my great-grandmother's garden is way out in Saskatchewan - I was able to visit once, and there wasn't much of a garden left. Beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely post and I love the quote at the end ... xxx
ReplyDeleteHanni - I think it was wonderful you were able to visit, even though there may not have been much left.
ReplyDeleteGardeningBlog - thank you for your kind comment.
Lovely photos and memories! The daffodils look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteKelli - thank you. It is amazing how beautiful and lush the daffodils are with no attention!
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