Our eclectic group of volunteer gardeners met together yesterday at Homeward Bound to talk over plans and needs for the rescued Memorial Garden, but mostly to have the opportunity to touch base. We work independently, each of us responsible for our own garden bed. While the results of everyone’s hard work is clearly visible with each visit, we rarely see each other.
We come from all over the valley, with different levels of gardening expertise and strengths. Happily, we have multiple members with irrigation experience. Previous tactics apparently included manually moving oscillating sprinklers. Not only is the method time-consuming, it’s tough on sensitive plants and very beneficial to weeds! A well-planned system along with regular TLC should keep the star thistle at bay for good.
Laure shared that the plea in the Fall newsletter was her last-ditch hope for help after two years of start and stop efforts. Close to throwing in the towel, she was overwhelmed with the enthusiastic response. Even better is the action that followed. The gardens were quickly whipped into shape for the winter, and now sit prepped and ready for spring planting.
Along with introductions, we each shared our tie to Homeward Bound – a place where hundreds of abandoned, broken and special needs Golden Retrievers find homes each year. Most of us have adopted; someone fosters; one couple is on their fourth Golden. Seems like we all know from experience how hard it is to lose our beloved friends. Still, another one finds its way into your heart. We all love our gardens, but this is why we are really here. For the love of Goldens.
I ran into a dog-walking volunteer who had not seen the gardens since early fall. She was amazed at the progress. A new Cottage Garden has been laid out at the entrance to the shed. Should create a lovely little vignette and a welcoming path to the beds beyond.
Gardens For Goldens 