A fresh batch of new volunteers came through the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden today during their orientation.
Maria is smart enough to address the question proactively: no, there are no dogs buried here. Just a quiet place to remember, gather with friends and enjoy some peace and quiet with those in our charge.
We try to make the garden a welcome place for all – the birds and bees – and more.
There are plenty of warm places to sun or hide for lizards and our friendly snakes.
We leave bunny burrows alone as long as they only take their share.
Makeshift bird baths, seeds, worms and ample bugs (no pesticides) support a variety of feathered friends.
And we plant purposefully to attract bees and hummingbirds including butterfly bush, gaura, coreopsis, gaillardia, bee balm, dahlia, lavender, sage, aster, daylily, coneflower, verbena, yarrow, zinnia, delphinium, penstemon, lantana, milkweed and more.
Fittingly, Saint Francis – the patron saint of animals and the environment – watches over. Maria has just completed his new stone pedestal…a fitting throne and a beautiful addition to the garden.
He whispers to the pups – like newbies Chip and Cookie – ‘everything will be alright’.
And the garden whispers to us in the cheerful chatter of birds, the hum of busy bees, and butterflies gracefully gliding from bed to bed.
“Every day is an opportunity to make a new happy ending.” ~ Author Unknown
Gardens For Goldens 
Once again, beautiful pictures. Maria the stone pedestal with St. Francis is fabulous. You worked so hard on it and it really adds to the garden! Thanks to all the little garden elves for all the work you put into the garden, come rain or shine(heat). The volunteers sure enjoy hanging out there while admiring the beauty!
And we enjoy hosting them! Thanks Pat – seemed like a great group today!
Thank you for the complement.
Amazing images….
Thank you for always sharing such beauty
Take Care…You Matter…
)0(
maryrose
Thank you!
Thank you!
Lovely pedestal, Maria. Quite a labor of love. St. Francis has been my favorite since childhood. As always, Ogee, you bring a gentle magnifying glass to showcase the intricacies of this ethereal garden space.
Thank you, Sue!
Beautiful, just beautiful. The statue is a wonderful addition. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous gardens with all of us. Especially those of us who cannot see it for ourselves.
Thanks for visiting with us, Carol!
Thank you! It was an honor to work on.
Ahhh…. Another wonderfully captivating post and gallery, Audrey, and a huge thank you to Maria for the beautiful work on the pedestal! You ladies never cease to amaze.
Too kind, Selim. We’re just trying to keep up with the rest of you!
Those new volunteers don’t know how many new friends they will make – large and small. 🙂
🙂
Amazing images and colors! Beautiful pedestal Maria!
Such extraordinary photos. You have a great talent. I love your subject matter, too.
Awww….thank you!
You’re welcome.