November 2013 – Gardens For Goldens

Blessed

“For flowers that bloom about our feet;

For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;

For song of bird, and hum of bee;

For all things fair we hear or see,

we thank Thee.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

For the peace I have found, the friends I have made and the countless rescued dogs that have touched my heart through my journey with the garden, this blog and Homeward Bound, I am thankful.

“Happiness is something that comes into our lives through doors we don’t even remember leaving open.” ~ Rose Lane

I am blessed. Happy Thanksgiving, all.

Wordless Wednesday: Moose

To learn Moose’s story, please visit here: www.homewardboundgoldens.org/blog/2013/11/27/with-gratitude/

Fall’s Grace

“For the Fall of the year is more than three months bounded by an equinox and a solstice. It is a summing up without the finality of year’s end.” ~ Hal Borland

This blank spot in the perennial bed signals the end of a season, as the Dahlias have been lifted and stored for the winter.

The weather this weekend was beautiful after a stormy start to the week, so Daylilies were divided, bulbs planted,

and giant holes filled in the yards where dogs chase bunnies. Who me?

The light is beautiful in the garden at this time of year.

Although most of the brilliant blossoms have faded away, a few remain and it is as if the sheer warmth of the sun bathes the garden in gold;

it soaks up all the magic that goes on here.

Where big dogs come to find homes,

tiny dogs are nurtured,

blind dogs see that they are surrounded by love,

and old dogs can sum up their own seasons in sanctuary and peace.

“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace, as I have seen in one autumnal face.” ~ John Donne

Wordless Wednesday: Sammie Smiles

Not much gardening went on this weekend. With Santa visiting Homeward Bound, all the elves were busy getting the dogs dressed in their holiday finest for photos, including a couple here from our friend Rob.

From naughty…

to nice…

we’re getting in the holiday spirit before Thanksgiving so everyone’s pictures will be ready for on-time card mailing this year.

Poor Santa; so exhausted, and he still has to head back to the North Pole to get ready for the big event!

The garden is quiet,

but still colorful enough to be inviting.

Next weekend, it will be time to lift the Dahlias. Until then, have a good week, all.

Wordless Wednesday: The Funny Faces of Sting

In Good Garden Company

“A garden is never so good as it will be next year.”~ Thomas Cooper

It seems there is always another project to prepare the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden for the next season. Last week it was the iris bed;

today, some 400 daffodil bulbs sat waiting to be planted for the spring.

So nothing delighted me more than to see a small army of our gardeners show up today. With Diane,

Peggie,

Ina and camera-shy Maria on hand, the garden was weeded, dead-headed and the bulbs got planted on a beautiful fall weekend day.

We continue to be in the company of frogs…

And these nasty things which have been munching on our Pluot tree.

Ina wanted to save the invaders, but I made caterpillar mush of them instead, and left a bit of evidence behind as a warning to their friends.

Of course, we’re always in the company of dogs, which makes our work a true labor of love.

Summer is another of the dogs from Taiwan. She arrived with a myriad of issues, including cancer.

We have hopefully dispensed with all, but there’s no way to be certain. Anna does not care. It was love at first sight.

An introduction to her Jenni was made.

With approval won, the deal was sealed and Summer went home today.

So did Rollie. There was no hesitation at all when that car hatch opened. Inside he found a fresh new bed and a brand new toy. Jackpot! Happy life Rollie.

Our youth volunteers were out in force as well. It is so encouraging to see a new generation involved in rescue. Henzi is a natural, doting on Ella and Maggie in the garden.

Our nights are getting cooler. The watering has been cut back. And our last Dahlia of the season put on a spectacular display.

The foliage is now as impressive as the flowers that remain.

Fall is on glorious display.

Wordless Wednesday: Remembered

Brought here, by you

“There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you.” ~ Beatrix Potter

Gardens for Goldens passed a small milestone this week; 1,000+ followers. When I began this blog two years ago this month I envisioned a simple journal of our efforts to create a place of peace for Homeward Bound’s extended family while hoping to inspire a love of rescue. Through the process of chronicling the garden, I have been blessed to be joined by all of you.

You’ve shared in watching the garden grow from vision to reality…

and in the delight of seeing dogs go home. Yesterday, it was Shaggy Bao – a Old English Sheepdog masquerading as a Golden. He came all the way from Taiwan with his amazing two-colored eyes to find his forever home.

Sometimes, we share in sorrow. This week, it was Sarge, who passed unexpectedly and quietly without a hint to us that it was time to say ‘goodbye.’

Despite the sometimes difficult times, there is a tremendous sense of joy and purpose in what is accomplished here. From seeing new arrivals like Amber,

Oliver

and Maggie coaxed into trust,

to creating a place of quiet and contemplation.

Another blogger I follow described a garden as a relationship…between a person and a bed of soil. For me, the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden and Gardens for Goldens has been about a relationship with all of you. And I am better for it.

“The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.” ~ John Ruskin

Thank you.

Month: November 2013