Gardeners don’t fear critters, bugs, disease, or even frosts. The one thing a gardener truly fears is the fate of our gardens after we are gone.
The act of clearing, planning, planting, and nurturing a garden is belief in tomorrow – a love letter to the future. A gardener lives in anticipation of the season ahead and what surprises will spring forward. When you dig and turn that first shovel of dirt, a pact is made – between earth and gardener: I will tame and care for you and, in return, you will care for all who visit here.
Over a decade ago, our rescue’s founder, Jody, put a stake in overgrown ground and declared it a garden. The Homeward Bound Memorial Garden rose from waist-high weeds and thistles and clay to a place of peace and beauty over the next decade. But Jody rarely found time to tend to it. It was too much in view of dogs, volunteers and adopters – making it too easy for her to be interrupted and called away.
Several years ago, in a back corner of the property, Jody and her sister started clearing another piece of overgrown land. They created an oasis of raised beds, an orchard of fruit trees, a she-shed, and even a fire pit. Hidden from view, we all knew that this was Jody’s place of quiet, solitude and restoration. She monitored for emergencies, but rarely answered other calls when working there. Unexpectedly, it served another purpose: it strengthened our team and made us more self-reliant and resilient. It was to be her retirement project.
When she became ill last August, the garden was abandoned. Fruits and vegetables rotted on the vine and ground.
Winds sent beloved pieces of found art sailing. The weeds began a march to reclaim their territory.
It would have broken her heart to see what has become of her labor of love.
I asked permission of her husband to begin the work of rescue before the earth swallowed it back up.
This is a job much bigger than one person. But one can start. I cleared my way through the first stretch of jungle this weekend, digging out thistles, uprooting Johnson grass, freeing trellises and tomato cages from their tangles, and uncovering hidden treasures.
It reminded me of the first months in the Memorial Garden. It reminded me of her.
I will look to build a small team dedicated to its upkeep. In its ample space, we could feed an army of community hungry.
In its restoration, we can send our own love letter.
Gardens For Goldens 
If you can use an extra pair of hands, I’d love to help! Just let me know.
Great to have you on board! Thank you.
Oh Audrey…you touched my heart about what gardens do and say about each one of us. Today, we dropped something by a neighbor’s house. His wife passed away about 3 years ago, and so did her garden. I know that she would be heartbroken. I said Paul, “this will be my yard when I’m gone.” But YOU, my friend, will keep Jody alive by resurrecting her Retirement Garden, while maintaining the Memorial Garden. We all thank you and I know Jody will smile. My heart is full of love and gratitude to you💕🌸
I can’t wait to see the progress you make. This gives me hope as I move along my own journey that there will be people to take up the mantle of the work I leave unfinished.
I look forward to the progress you will make. If I were near I would offer some help. I know it will become as beautiful as it was.
It will be a beautiful tribute to your friend, as well as a source of refuge and renewal for all who visit there.
You are a saint. It will be beautiful when cleared and replanted.
Wish we lived closer, we would help. We believe that Jody is watching and will send strength to the team that will help you rebuild her dream. The good earth is always thankful and will reward your efforts. Beautiful post. Love from Corie and Poe.
Looking forward to seeing the progress!
I also wish I could help you. I do love your posts. Thank you. Joy
Oh how I wish I lived close enough to help you with this. If you run short of people for your team, try calling on some local MGs to make it a project and provide support going forward. As always, I am in awe of your kindness and carrying attitude.
Great suggestion, Judy! It looks like we have a team…with progress already made and at least one MG on board!
What a lovely idea!! Bless your kind heart for doing this. If I was physically able I’d help you – I truly miss gardening. You’d never know by looking at my own, gone-to-weeds garden, but it’s always been one of my favorite things. I hope you find the help you need and I’ll be cheering you from the sidelines. I can’t wait to see photos and hear your stories of the beauty restored to this plot of earth! ❤
happy to be on board – just got some new gloves, see ya next week!
Yay!
You are an angel on earth – God bless you 💓💓💓
I agree with Karen…you are an angel on earth! Bless you Audrey.