Allerton Garden: Kauai
Protected by the great wealth and social standing he was born into, Robert Allerton lived a sheltered, but secret life. When public sentiment threatened his future, he and his adopted “son” and lifelong companion, John Gregg Allerton, found peace, privacy, and sanctuary on Kauai. In 1937, he purchased an 86-acre valley complete with a pristine beach for $50,000.
Together they built a magnificent garden which they maintained until their deaths and left in trust.
In the early 1990’s, management was assumed by the National Tropical Botanical Garden – with the garden named after its founding fathers.
There are only three rules: Replace whatever is lost with more of the same.
Leave the garden un-manicured, as nature intended.
And let the garden age gracefully, including the statues and art that were carefully placed here.
The result is a stunning, romantic oasis – full of secret rooms and surprises.
Where art and nature live happily together.
The gift they left us all can make you rethink your notion of gardens…
And what it means to leave a living legacy.
The Allerton Garden; part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Kauai.
A gift.
Wordless Wednesday: Splish Splash Hummingbird
The virtues of getting lost
“If you don’t get lost, there’s a chance you may never be found.” ~ Author Unknown
I’m going to get lost for a week or so. Time to take a travel break and find some serenity, inspiration and rejuvenation where there is rain and lush, green forests. Ina and Anna will tend to the garden as Maria is also away. Who knows what mischief they will get into?!
When the cat’s away…
Spring is quickly slipping by. I said farewell to its blooms today in case they are not here when I return.
All signs point to summer’s arrival including the sprouting of sunflowers,
dahlias,
and the nesting mourning doves in the garden trees.
I feel better about leaving knowing that this pup has left as well.
Junior was the last of our hunting dogs. Deaf, it took a little while longer to get him home. But home he went this weekend, with previous adopters who gave Lisa (now Ellie) her new chance at life.
His new people are renaming him “Orion” – for the Greek hunter – and the constellation by the same name. Not that he can hear it. But no matter. I’m pretty sure he knows that his life just got much brighter. Instead of chasing ducks in a field, he can light up the lives of his new people.
Happy life, Orion. We’re going to miss you.
And happy week to all of you. Aloha. See you soon.
Wordless Wednesday: Venus
Because They Need Us
It has been a hard week. To lose not one – but two – of our long-time rescue residents and the companion of a devoted volunteer as well.
Balou was a special boy who never got over the loss of his human.
He was profoundly sad, with trust and mental health issues.
He was beautiful, deep and unpredictable, and so we knew he would be staying with us. He felt safe here.
Reacher was adorable and adored.
Imagine a gigantic bunny stuffed in Golden Retriever costume, rolled over, belly up, with paws flopping every which way just waiting for his rub.
He went home and came back twice due to his severe separation anxiety. We couldn’t believe no one could see past his issues to his wonderful self. But we were very happy to care for him as long as he needed to stay with us.
His stay was both too long and too short. Cancer took them both.
That dreaded c-word seems to dog us lately, afflicting too many of the fur kids from our extended Homeward Bound family. Too much at once.
“There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
But when we are certain of sorrow in store
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.”
~ Rudyard Kipling
Are those tears falling from the sky?
No. Rain. A sudden, soaking, blessed California rain providing a cool, revitalizing drink for our thirsty plants, trees and souls.
A reminder that there are still unexpected joys in even the most difficult times.
This weekend, there were quiet chats, remembrances, and hugs – but most importantly – there were people.
Amazing people who show up despite broken hearts to walk and feed
snuggle and train –
and teach dogs how to get up on the furniture –
because they depend on us.
For as long as they need us – we are here.
Sometimes joined together by sorrow – more often, joy.
Honoring those we have lost by treasuring each day with those who need our care – at Homeward Bound.
Reacher photos courtesy of Rob Kessel
Wordless Wednesday: Farewell Sweet Balou
The Comfort We Bring
“In almost every garden, the land is made better and so is the gardener.” ~ Robert Rodale
We created and keep the Memorial Garden as a gift to the dogs we love and have loved – and for those who dedicate so much to our rescue effort.
Three chance encounters this week reminded me that the work we do at Homeward Bound not only makes life better for the dogs, but provides important comfort to humans as well.
A woman messaged us asking the status of the dog she had surrendered. It was clear that she had loved him, but for whatever reason, she could not provide a home right now. I was only able to let her know that he was adopted quickly to a good family. And while I reassured her that he would be well-loved, I reminded her that we could not share details to protect the privacy of the adopters. She did not need details. Just peace of mind … with gratitude.
A couple visited this weekend. They wanted to ensure that if something happened to them, their beloved Golden would be cared for. This is important planning that people often overlook. They were delighted with the rescue and were comforted knowing that their fur-child will be safe with us if that time ever comes. They left relieved.
Finally, a glimpse of one of our former adopters who recently lost her sweet boy to cancer. She was sitting quietly with our president in the puppy hut with the golden puppies I showed you last week. One dog never replaces another, but puppies have a special way of melting pain and healing hearts. She has to travel quite a way to visit with us, but here she is in the company of people who truly understand her loss.
“Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow” ~ Swedish Proverb
The garden is our gift.
The dogs are our shared passion.
And we’re reminded that the human lives we touch make us better, too.
“Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That’s why it’s a comfort to go hand in hand.” ~ Emily Kimbrough
I Spy
I spy something in the meadow. Sometimes you have to look very closely …
And sometimes, they just come rushing to greet you – like my buddy Noah, who I see fairly often.
I love my workday walks on the trail behind our offices.
I never know who, or what, I’ll meet.
Today I spied Presley and Sienna.
I almost mistook Presley for a Jack Rabbit.
Presley, it turns out, is on his third home.
He started as an apartment dog, but needed space to run and dig.
Then, he became a family dog, until he got lost in the shuffle of kids and kid activity schedules.
Hopefully, he has found his third and final home with Wendy. She volunteers at a local shelter and seems to truly understand the needs of a high energy Weimaraner.
Sienna certainly seems to enjoy his company.
If a tired dog is a happy dog, then Presley and Sienna must be very happy dogs indeed.
Great to meet you. See you in the meadow. 🙂
Wordless Wednesday: Iris…faith, hope, wisdom…spring
New Additions
April showers bring … April flowers. In abundance.
The garden is in full bloom making my early morning arrival extra special.
“An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
Last week: five long-term residents went home. This week: five arrived in one day. Plus three more for good measure throughout the week.
The universe seeks balance, I guess. No rest for the weary.
We have a new addition to the garden: a beautiful bird bath.
Maria made it for Jody, our president who, with her husband, imagined this whole Homeward Bound effort and works tirelessly to sustain it. It’s the perfect centerpiece for her special bed in the garden.
As beautiful as they are, the flowers in the garden have tough competition from the pups named for flowers. Iris…
Rose,
Sweet William,
and Stephanotis.
All spoken for – from a long list of families that have waited a long time for these rare arrivals.
Until their going home days…we’ll enjoy watching them bloom, as well.
Wordless Wednesday: California Rain
Gardens For Goldens 