Inspiration
By
Debbie the Seed Queen
My Nana
(paternal grandmother) was much of the inspiration for who I am
today. I don’t mean monetary-wise. (I don’t have any
money!) I mean she has given me much more than that. I
lived beside her from age 2 until I was 11. It was the best
childhood anyone could hope for. I had loving parents and a
nasty little brother but Nana was my inspiration.
It was from
her that I gained my love of growing things. From a kid’s
perspective, her property seemed huge. But as an adult going
back, it seemed to shrink somehow.
But what didn’t
shrink were my memories of her gardens. There was the front yard,
stately, ringed with oak and maple trees. Interspersed between
the trees were masses of peony bushes, seemingly always heavy with
blooms.
 |
Also
in the front yard were the rose beds. I don’t know
what she did to make them grow but they definitely
did. (I’m learning now though!)
|
Around
the left side at the back was a huge vegetable garden. She
must have had every kind of vegetable and possibly fruit growing
there. She had several raspberry bushes, and used the berries
to make the best jam and tarts in the world – I should know – I
ate enough of them!
There were
masses of perennials growing against the back of the house. Lilies
stood tall and proud and more roses bloomed against a fan trellis.
Pansies reigned around a birdbath. Lilac bushes provided a
screen against an unwanted view.
A sweeping
willow cascaded over yet another garden and kept our driveway next
door in cool shade. When I wanted to visit, which was several
times a day, I would charge up the stone path to see what she was up
to. I do mean charge, since I was a bit of a tomboy at times.
She never turned away an inquisitive granddaughter.
I think she
taught me my love of growing things, good food (especially raspberry
tarts); sharing your knowledge and yourself; and the beauty there is
in life. And now when I am out in my garden I feel she is
working right along side of me.
Thank you Nana,
Love,
Debbie
[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Spring Fever ]
