August 16, 2013: Nine Years Later!

‘There was a noticeable chill in the air – not enough to encourage the worry of frost, but it was partially responsible for the ring around the moon – there is a scientific name for this, but for my sister and I, it was more of a magical happenstance. A life had come full circle – ninety two years in the making, and now it was time for her physical presence to leave us behind..

Nine years later, she is still in the garden with me – sharing my enthusiasm when a special plant blooms for the first time in four years! She is there in the various shades of blue – the sky blue flowers of Brunnera; the deep cobalt blue of the various Gentiana that are lovingly scattered throughout the property, and this year it was as if her cool, icy blue eyes took up residence beneath the bows of Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Goldrush’ – that brief. fluttering of time when I was privileged to witness the blooming of the elusive and equally temperamental Meconopsis x sheldonii ‘Lingholm’ that bloomed the week of what at one time included mine, my Father’s and her birthdays.

Her presence was with me this morning as I paused briefly in remembrance and thanks. It was she after all who first introduced me to the magical world of gardening – of a decidedly shadier nature than most.

I miss her but know I need only step outside and into the garden to be connected to her spirit once again. Perhaps more than any, this is the reason that gardening has become the main focus of my life and time.

Abby Agnes Strachan                                                 : 09 June 1912 – August 16, 2004