gardeny things





I remember when my garden looked like this.  The drought has changed things.  Lots of things have changed around here.  I miss Melinda SO much.  




I've always been influenced by gardens.  Nothing attracts me more than being outdoors in my garden.





Gardens influence everything in my life.  From the way I decorate to the way I dress.














I never feel more at peace than when I'm in a garden.





















You know you are a true gardener not by the size of your garden or blooms but whether you find yourself saying you have yard work to do or gardening.  Yard work implies hard labor, chores and sweat. Gardening is full of that but they are all a joy.

Gardening is rhythmic.  From the expectations of spring, the excitement of summer to the darkness of winter. Gardens mimic life.  I recently came upon the following words which are pulling me out of my sadness...




All is well. x

43 comments

  1. With all my heart, I wish I could believe that.

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  2. I needed this post so much! I was just outside cleaning up the yard thinking of my dear friend that passed very recently. I was there and those words are very soothing to my soul. Thank you, Kathleen in Az

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  3. Tears of joy mingled with tears of sadness; I lost my younger sister/best friend 15 years ago. She is with me every day, sitting on my shoulder, whispering in my ear and laughing. One thing I can say with certainty is that the pain is eventually eased by wonderful memories.
    Thank you.

    NancyO.

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  4. Dad, my Dad is just around the corner...I Love you. All is well.

    Betsy

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  5. I've never read that before! How absolutely lovely. I'm glad your garden is providing comfort. It's not hard to see how it could. Wishing you a light heart. Hope you have a happy Easter! Are you going to dye eggs with your granddaughter? I'm going to dye eggs for the first time for my Easter table and I can't decide if I want to do a pastel mix or all pink. You know, the typical single male Easter egg struggles.

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    1. this beautiful male never fails to make me smile or laugh right out loud.
      we all have someone dear
      right around that corner.
      thank you for sharing that message darling AJJ. you make everything better.
      more gracious. and lovely.
      XOXO♥

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    2. i'm guessing you did all pink - that would take a lot of restraint on your part but i know you have it in you.:) no, not coloring eggs this am. another grandmother has that job this year. :) x

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  6. I read an interesting piece yesterday at NYSD about Edith Wharton's Lennox, Mass estate The Mount. She personally designed and kept up every inch of the grounds and proudly proclaimed herself a far superiot gardener rather than novelist....after reading many of her books/letters I have no doubt gardening made her a better writer/interior designer/companion.
    I love your cottage, gardens, style, and sense of thrift!

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  7. I read an interesting piece yesterday at NYSD about Edith Wharton's Lennox, Mass estate The Mount. She personally designed and kept up every inch of the grounds and proudly proclaimed herself a far superiot gardener rather than novelist....after reading many of her books/letters I have no doubt gardening made her a better writer/interior designer/companion.
    I love your cottage, gardens, style, and sense of thrift!

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  8. What a lovely post this is, Janet, with images from happy occasions in your garden. I agree with your sentiments and have found that you never entirely lose those that you love, they become part of who you are. A simplified version of the text that you've printed is often read out at funerals in England. Wishing that all is well for you and yours this Easter.

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  9. Thank you for posting- "All is well". And for noting the difference between yardwork and gardening. I like this saying .. "Hope never dies within a true gardener's heart. Anonymous".
    xowendy

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  10. Thank you Janet for the lovely post. I am going to visit my mum in Sydney in a few weeks and am so looking forward to spending some time with her. Mum is 80 now and has been a widow for over 20 years. Her garden is filled with frangipani, agapanthus and crepe myrtle. Dad would be so proud that she has kept the garden looking so lovely and it brings her great joy.

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  11. I am still in a busy time of my life and intermittently garden but I am the daughter and granddaughter of gardeners. You made me realise that I went and gardened one morning which happened to be, unknown to me at the time, the exact time my daughter died in an accident. So I can say I was gardening to the 'where were you when' question. Its interesting whenever we group to remember her even in these quite early days, it is always around gardening. We must be drawn to that deep soothing essence of the garden. Thank you for this post Janet xxx

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  12. All is indeed well... You know wellness dear Janet :)
    Soul binding words that add, and does not take away from you what we all truly want to hear and believe in.
    Your beautiful friend is with you when ever you need her, and you can tuck her away in all the beauty that surrounds you.

    I loved when you wrote...
    I never feel more at peace than when I'm in a garden, you sitting there shows a poetic strength in how you live it, and it lives within you, such a beautiful peaceful photo of you just sitting and listening to your garden speak to you.

    Loved when you posted your sons wedding in your garden, those boho area rugs runner style was a amazing and won't forget the impact that it added to the ceramoney in your yard, one I will remember for my daughters day someday!

    This post chokes me up, not because I know your friend, but because you knew her so well.
    It's a beautiful post in memory of life.

    Xx
    Dore

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  13. I always remember you saying to me that at times your garden saved you.

    Me too.

    Take care of yourself xxx

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  14. Janet,

    This post is just beautiful. I am sorry again for the loss of your dear friend.

    If you don't mind me asking..I was wondering what happened to all the beautiful instagram pictures/film clips of your garden before you removed it. They were so beautiful especially the ones of you putting water in the bird bath, watering plants and taking a walk in nature. I can't exactly recall how they went but I can tell you this..they were so peaceful to watch..up there in the peaceful range with "My Friend Maia".

    You are so naturally talented with a camera.

    Sincerely,
    Debra from SENC

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  15. I hope hope hope your garden is comforting you in your loss. <3

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  16. Death is hard. The pain is always there waiting to take over if you give in to it. But gardens are a great solace. Our garden has so many plants that once belonged to loved ones or were gifts from people after a loved one's death. Several were my mother's. When they bloom I feel blessed and as if it's a sign from her or others of their love and continuing presence in our lives.
    Your garden looks so beautiful - the roses are heavenly. Love the way you set it up for your son's wedding. Seems like only yesterday. Yet now you have a beautiful granddaughter. Pammie xx

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  17. I was thinking of you today and wondering how you were coping with your grief. I think I saw anpost where you mentioned Melinda helped you make the ottoman cover. You were so lucky to have such a close friend who wasbapart of your daily life. Pray for her soul and I will continuentonpray for you💖💖💖

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  18. Lovely post, Janet - I am thinking of you. We only have a balcony but I am a gardener (my dad was a proper gardener, it's in the family).

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  19. I, too, found the words "death is nothing at all" to be comforting in the last few years. Many times I actually seemed to forget that my husband wasn't just in the next room or out with the dogs. I can still hear his voice & funny things he would say to me. And I found another tiny feather sitting in a box with just a redware plate that hadn't been opened in 4 yrs. Most of all, I find hope & comfort knowing I will see him again.

    In the winter I keep very busy with inside projects...& they are my therapy during short days & cold months. But with even the slightest hint of spring I am outside looking for signs of life or any new treasure I might find unexpectedly by the creek. Yesterday I watch a hawk make big lazy, loopy turns in the sky...creating a stir among the crows. The day before I was startled by a baby ribbon snake curled up in a heuchera that was providing shelter. I am a true gardener as well...it is where you will find me during spring, summer & fall. I even eat all my meals outside when possible. It is truly my therapy...for it is difficult to be sad in the garden!

    Anita - the cabin on the creek

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  20. The Christmas after my mom died I got a Hallmark angel ornament with "I am with you because you remember me" on it (a phrase from a poem). That small phrase is a powerful one for me, so I do remember to keep my parents with me. All grief can be raw but when new like yours it can be unbearable. I am glad you find such comfort in your garden.

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  21. I needed those words today. Thanks for that! Take care of yourself.

    Lisa in Fort Worth

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  22. I'm really sorry about your friend. Don't be afraid to mourn, think about, and laugh about your friend. In find nature is some of life's best medicine. Sending you warm wishes. Have a lovely Easter.

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  23. Yes, the GARDEN influences the way I dress TOO.............except I am Much Bigger then YOU so have to be MORE select!I adore my garden.........and did not get out in it at all last summer because of the drought!I was so upset by the lack of water my 286 roses needed!I only lost a few............they are TOUGH PLANTS!But I am BACK AT IT full throttle NOW............planting a border of ENGLISH GARDEN Inspiration!There is something soothing about digging in the dirt finding worms(YIPPY) and planting a GREEN thing that will TAKE OFF!Might I suggest YOU plant a rose or something that REMINDS you of YOUR DEAR FRIEND...............I did that years ago..........and when it BLOOMS it STOPS me in MY TRACKS and I remember the GOOD TIMES.XX

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    1. that is a great idea and i will do it. thank you. x

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    2. Oh yes. I hope you plant something in honor of Melinda.

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  24. I love how the garden has influenced your wardrobe. That pink kaftan is absolutely beautiful, you look an utter picture. xxx

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  25. Do something to make the world even more beautiful. Planting a garden would be a excellent example. Reading your blog makes my world a little more beautiful!

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  26. I have sought and found much comfort in the garden. I feel content in the simple act of gardening....your loss will ease in time. The memories of your friend will pop up often...embrace them and honour her in your heart. My friend Margaret has been gone more than 16 years and I think of her often.
    That is a lovely piece of writing....beautiful, poetic and poignant.
    I hope you have a good weekend Janet.

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  27. I have sought and found much comfort in the garden. I feel content in the simple act of gardening....your loss will ease in time. The memories of your friend will pop up often...embrace them and honour her in your heart. My friend Margaret has been gone more than 16 years and I think of her often.
    That is a lovely piece of writing....beautiful, poetic and poignant.
    I hope you have a good weekend Janet.

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  28. Lovely post, Janet. Your love of gardening is inspiring. I'm wishing you much peace around the death of your friend.

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  29. I know that it sounds trite to say, "I will keep you in my prayers," but I will. Your friend was blessed to have someone who loved her and misses her as you do.

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  30. So comforting....watching the Spring bulbs pop out of the ground and the trees bursting with blooms show us that life is here to live to its fullest! Missing my late husband..

    xoxo
    Karena
    Featuring Artist Scott McBee

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  31. Thank you for that paragraph you quoted at the end. It's hard for me to read right now, but I will keep it for when I'm stronger. We lost our oldest son, Marcus, a week and a half ago - he was 27. Our two sons were out together in kayaks on Lake Michigan and there was an accident. Marcus still hasn't been found. It's a very tough road, but many people have been so kind. One never knows what the future holds and what may be said or given that in some small way helps. I thank you again for the words you quoted.

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    1. Dear Jeannine, I don't know what to say except thank you for sharing your story. I still don't have the right words for Melinda's family. I will pray for you and your family that you find some peace right now. xo

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  32. I feel the same way....I take so much solace and comfort in gardening and in my garden. Thinking of you during your time of grief.

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  33. When I am in distress, I resort to my garden and pull weeds. In my garden I have made the BEST decisions.

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  34. It's true, my garden, my therapy. I meditate while weeding, think the important things out, and pray, oh Lord do I pray. I pray for your peace. And dear Jeannine, I am definitely pray for your peace.

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  35. Hi Janet, I've been thinking of you over the last few weeks and am glad you have found something that is helping you cope. I think gardening is very therapeutic as well.

    Our yard took a beating with the drought...it's looking a little better after having some rain this winter but still not where it was a few years ago. We have almost an acre, although some of it is just growing "wild". It's a shame because we could easily have a vegetable garden but just no time to tend to one. Some day I hope!

    Hope you had a nice Easter.

    Linda
    xo

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  36. So sorry for your loss. I'm glad that your garden is such a place of comfort. It's gorgeous.

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  37. Janet,
    I can imagine how much you miss Melinda...I really do. We lost Lorna four years ago today. Gardening does bring peace and comfort, doesn't it?
    With love,
    annie

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kindness is never out of style.

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