“I knew it would be bigger…but…”
We had an honored guest in the garden this weekend.
Laure is a master gardener and the original architect of the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden going back more than ten years.
Her design drawings are still housed in our shed, although the garden has morphed quite a bit over time.
The plan called for themed beds. Some, like the White Garden and Rose Garden bed are still as intended. We found that others like the Iris Bed were magnificent in spring but did not offer enough interest later in the season. Things got moved around, repeating patterns of color and shape throughout. It makes for a cohesive approach that moves in waves from one season to the next.
The original plan was much more tidy than the garden today. But crowded beds offer more cooling root protection in our hot summer (and fall!) months and help to keep the weeds at bay.
What Laure was marveling about most was the size of the trees. Back then, the garden was bathed in full, unrelenting sun all day long. Now, the trees have matured and we find we need to move plants into pockets of sunlight outside their shade.
She arrived just in time to see the asters in full fall bloom. And she marveled that a seed of an idea for what she called a “collar tree” became the metal weeping cherry tree whose branches are adorned with the tags of dogs who have come through our doors. To dream a garden and see how that it has flourished…
We learned the garden will be acquiring a new feature. A small chapel is planned as Jody wished to house the ashes of the Homeward Bound dogs who came to live with us in Sanctuary or who were helped to the bridge to end their suffering. Jody kept their ashes in her home all these years with dreams of a final resting place for them.
Life and family commitments pulled Laure away. But she laid the foundation of what this garden has become. We hope that she will return with the time is right. In the meantime, she has plans and plants to share that will assist our Monarch friends. A beautiful addition to our beautiful garden.
Gardens For Goldens 
How wonderful that Laurie got to see the beauty and evolution of the garden! It is so lovely, and I love the idea of a chapel! I look forward to seeing all the changes. Thanks to all who put their time and effort into it!
I can only imagine how wonderful it was to have this special visitor, and the Chapel project will be a wonderful addition I’m sure.
I’m so happy Laure loved what she saw. I think the gardens are beautiful. And a chapel to house the ashes….that is the loveliest idea. You all do such wonderful, heartfelt work.
The garden is outstanding. So love your photos and thank you for sharing. And no better way to honor Jody but a chapel to house the ashes of the sweet souls that found a haven at HBGRR. Jody and HBGRR are often in our thoughts. Sadly, we live too far to volunteer in person. Wish we could help. But we have been and always will be supporters. Our best to all from Poe and family.
Glad to hear Laure came back for a visit! Yeah asters, our fall cheerleader. See you soon, I promise!