The Memorial Garden at the care center where Mom spent her last two years was meant to be. It didn't seem like it during all the many, many hours of sweat, tears, blisters, aching muscles and joints, and probably even a little blood. Once that garden was planted, though, it took off like crazy. I think all the loving attention from the residents and volunteers probably had something to do with it. And maybe, just maybe, those residents, like Mom, who would have enjoyed it so much but never had that opportunity, smiled down on it just enough to nurture those plants into something amazing in its very first year.
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| Men's theme garden |
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| Lady's theme garden |
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| This is the newest garden and is just getting started - the Bird Park |
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| My brother made these plant markers out of sickle mower sections and my niece hand painted all the plant names. |
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| The walkway entering the garden courtyard |
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| A welcoming entrance |
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| Mom and Dad's memorial |
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| Another view of the Lady's theme garden |
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There are lots of hostas and heuchera in the shady areas
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| A Bill Reid rose flanks the side of the gazebo |
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| Some of the plants we transplanted to the Memorial garden had their start in Mom's gardens on the farm |
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| And of course, no self-respecting farm wife's garden would have been without a few chickens |
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The gazebo offers a beautiful, comfortable place for visiting at any time of the day or night.
In September, the care center hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Gala to recognize those who helped make the garden a reality and to dedicate the garden for the on-going use of residents and their families, both now and for years to come. The chairman of the care center board opened his comments with "I must admit, when this project was first proposed, I was a Doubting Thomas. But, I should have never doubted the Thomas Family and the dedication and perseverance they had to see this dream become a reality."
Yes! We did it!! Mom and Dad / Grandma and Grandpa would be so proud. Thank you to my family for sticking with this through all the trials, hardships, tribulations, and the many, many hours of sweating, freezing, and aching muscles. It is a wonderful legacy for a wonderful family.
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