Tag: dog rescue

Saturday Morning Finds in the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden

You never know what you will find in a country garden on a very early Saturday morning. While tomorrow will be my true work day out at the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, I made a quick trip this morning to check on things after a several very hot days, with June 1st temperatures reaching 100 degrees.

I was greeted by a snake in Maria’s Bed Garden,


buzzed by a plane flying low over the sprouting rice fields next door,


welcomed by the smiling face of the sunflowers, now blooming,


and to my delight and amazement, I found happy garden beds looking perky and no worse for wear, despite the recent heat. On the contrary – the Salvia that has struggled for the past month went from sad to sensational. Well, almost sensational. Give it one more month!


Best of all, I found our pallet of stone, delivered. Next project: a stone patio under the plum tree where rescued Golden Retrievers and their human dog walkers can take a shady break while enjoying the gardens.


Time to get to work!

A Long Weekend in the Garden

The long holiday weekend meant being able to devote two days to the Homeward Bound Memorial  Garden, working side-by-side with the indefatigable, Maria.

Earlier in the week Anthony (the EMT son of one of our volunteer gardeners) cleared the remaining circle bed and Willow garden.  He did an amazing job of loosening the packed clay soil and removing all traces of weeds. Inspired, planting and mulching the circle garden became the first priority to ensure that his hard work would not go to waste. Newly christened the Hummingbird Garden, it is now filled with Lantana, Asiatic Lily, Verbena, Bee Balm, Salvia, Coreopsis, Red Sage, and a Butterfly Bush, all of which seem to attract more bees than Hummingbirds so far! Everything received a dose of organic soil conditioner and a thick layer of shredded bark mulch to block out any chance that weeds will see the light of day.

Bitten by the same bug, Maria delivered a couple car loads of plants to her Bed Garden and Whimsy Garden – now taking shape as an Herb Garden.  Her sunflowers are about waist-high now and beginning to bud. Every time we turn around, they seem to have grown another six inches. Between plantings she managed to attack weeds under the Grape vines and around the beds, while I fed and deep-soaked the roses which take a lot of abuse in the hot sun and wind of this country garden.

Joanne, a cheery dog-walker volunteer, made her way into the garden with one of her dog wards.  We quickly surmised that she had more garden knowledge than she professes, and when she said that she didn’t mind weeding, we put her to work. Unexpectedly enlisted, she managed to clear half of Sue’s garden before she had to leave.  We thickly mulched it to ward off their return.  Hopefully, we didn’t scare Joanne off and she will return for more! We are always in search of dedicated dog and garden lovers!

A beautiful Golden Retriever topiary now graces Jody’s garden, and will soon be covered with a vigorous Creeping Fig Vine.  She continues to bring shrubs and perennials weekly and each find their place as the bed takes shape.

Plans were made for the delivery of stone to create a simple patio laid in the earth under the shade of the fruit trees, and a pathway in the newly cleared willow garden, setting the stage for an Asian-inspired bed.

Thanks to Dick, the table that we planned to use under the trees was rescued and reconstructed when it literally fell to pieces as I attempted to move it. Dick was also gracious enough to replace the shovel I broke in the clay soil. There will soon be an entire crew dedicated to repairing all that I touch.

Dick and his volunteer crew are kept constantly busy building, repairing and maintaining all in support of Homeward Bound and its mission to rescue displaced, abandoned and homeless Golden Retrievers and their Golden+ mix friends.  The hard work is gratifying as you are constantly surrounded by the rewards of your efforts; like the three-legged Golden, happily chasing a tennis ball this weekend. These dogs have such enormous hearts and spirit. They spur us on.

Updated pictures follow for all that track our progress turning a patch of hard clay country earth into a Memorial Garden for Homeward Bound.

Finding a Garden Fix

Sometimes you just have to get your garden fix in unexpected places. I missed the Homeward Bound gardens last weekend to travel to Las Vegas for a birthday celebration. I saw a whole lot of concrete and neon, but few trees or flowers until I made my way to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden where my need for green was satisfied. 

While brilliance abounds, a closer look reveals that this is a display – not a true garden. Each and every plant is in a container that is no doubt quickly removed when it loses its luster.

At the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, we don’t have the luxury – or the desire – to discard less than perfect plants. We rescue and nurture – just as Homeward Bound rescues, nurtures and places hundreds of dogs each year.

The Bellagio “garden” is certainly spectacular and worth spending time in – especially when you get tired of the chaos of Vegas. Still, it cannot hold a candle to the joy of our country garden where good things grow and develop over time from the earth. I will happily return this weekend.

The Dahlias were planted; the drip system is being fine-tuned; I hear the sunflowers are growing like weeds; and I imagine the weeds are growing like weeds as well! Rumor has it that a new shovel was graciously donated after my last clay-digging mishap. I’ll be sure to bring my own and steer clear of it! Something tells me the gardeners will appreciate that. We hope to see  all of them on Sunday after the Pancake Breakfast.

Is it the weekend yet?

Finding a Place for Them

At the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, I am happy to provide whatever help I can to Jody and her garden bed. At approximately 500 square feet – it is a huge undertaking for this dedicated co-founder of a recognized Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary just outside of Sacramento, CA.

I am a planner by nature.  In the garden, I have been known to stare at an empty site for hours/days/weeks until it becomes clear what belongs there. To me, it is the artist’s or writer’s equivalent of a blank canvas or piece of paper.  And like writer’s block, a garden can take a very long time to reveal itself to me.

Jody, on the other hand, has a very different approach. Weekly she appears in the garden with another plant or two. Something she has rescued, resuscitated, or pulled from a picked-over sale bin somewhere. “You’ll find a place for them,” she says with a smile, before she departs.

This attitude is at the heart of an amazing organization which is responsible for the rescue of hundreds of dogs each year. From a small office, kennel and a few pens has grown a sprawling sanctuary with enclosed fields where the dogs can play, swim, and frolic as dogs do. Pulled from shelters, surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them, they are the lucky rescues, and there always seems to be “a place” for just one more at Homeward Bound.

The Homeward Bound Sanctuary serves as a “half-way house” for Goldens awaiting adoption, and as a permanent home for those dogs whose health issues have rendered them unadoptable. They are welcome to live out their lives at the sanctuary in security and dignity, surrounded by love. Just like Jody’s pretty patchwork of a garden. Sprouting weekly from a long stretch of soil; a place where any rescued plant is welcome to make this garden its new home. No plan required.

Taking Shape

The Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, honoring our beloved Golden Retriever (and other!) friends, is fast becoming a garden worthy of the memories planted here.

A place that welcomes dogs and dog walkers.

Our labor of love…
for gardens and Goldens.

P.S. Princess found her home today.

Transition Phase

I would love to report that the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden has fully blossomed, but in truth, we are in a bit of an awkward transition phase. Our planting was largely on hold, waiting for the irrigation system installation – now complete. With that hurdle overcome, the volunteer gardeners were out in force this week – some planting and weeding, others inspecting and planning.

Laure was out earlier in the week spending hours exterminating weeds. She shared her time with Susan and Jim who cleared and planted the Tree Circle Gardens.

Sue was out to continue her work on the what we had dubbed Grandma’s Flower Garden. With apologies for accidentally deleting the photo (next trip!), she has installed solar globe lights, a solar fountain, and a host of playful statuettes A new name may be in order. Something that captures new age spirit and old soul whimsy. Suggestions?

Randy and Vonnie were in planning mode. They are not only volunteer gardeners, they are volunteer taxi drivers. They are part of the devoted teams who travel up and down the state picking up lucky Goldens who have been rescued from shelters or sent from other organizations – including some from as far away as Taiwan. Theirs will be the Butterfly Garden.  This is the ‘before.’  Can’t wait to see the ‘after.’

Maria was busy with the Sugar Peas, Sunflowers, Marigolds and more in her Bed Garden. She has a knack for taking someone’s castaway and turning it into poetic vignettes.

Meanwhile, I did some weeding in other beds, and fussed a little in the Perennial Garden that I share with Deb in preparation for her Dahlias.

We are a patchwork quilt of established, newly planted and planned beds. We may look a little ragged around the edges at the moment, with the pathways now recovering from the heavy equipment. No matter; we will get there.  It was a necessary step backward, in order to move forward.Not unlike the Goldens who find their way to this amazing sanctuary. It’s not unusual for them to arrive with medical, emotional or behavioral issues. Thrust into yet another unfamiliar environment, it takes time to get stronger physically and to feel safe and trusting.  It is remarkable to see them blossom with love, care and patience. The garden devoted to them will no doubt blossom too!

Fostered Friends

While we were enjoying our time at the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden on Saturday, other devoted volunteers were manning a booth at the U.C. Davis Picnic Day to bring awareness to the mission of this amazing organization. Among them was one of our devoted volunteers, Maria, and her dog, Beau, who apparently travels in style!

Maria fosters in part because she likes travel, and Homeward Bound is kind enough to welcome her fosters back to the Sanctuary for babysitting when she is away.  Last fall she lost her 16-year old foster to old age. She took a break over the holidays, and, after getting off the plane in February, decided to stop by Homeward Bound to check on the gardens. All it took was a single mention that it might be time to consider fostering again, and Beau was by her side.

He is 9 1/2 years of age with a weak back  and weak back leg. This apparently does not stop him from beating Maria to the bed, however!  He was supposed to be evaluated for a possible placement at a senior retirement home, where older dogs are sometimes placed for mutual companionship and comfort. Given that he is a hugger and a leaner, he is not a good match for the elderly.

Older dogs like Beau often stay on with their foster families, while those who take younger dogs are really helping them prepare for their forever homes. It is hard to say goodbye, but also incredibly rewarding. And foster homes always have first option to adopt. You can learn more about fostering here. It looks like Maria has found her next long-term foster, and Beau has found a happy home. Hope to see you in the garden, Beau!

Despite the rain last week, it looks like more than half the work on the irrigation installation was completed at the Homeward Bound Memorial Gardens. A giant trench digger cut quick paths through the clay soil; however those that were not finished are now filled with water. Thankfully, the Sacramento forecast calls for sunshine all week. Fingers crossed that the crew can finish.

The paths that were so cleanly manicured two weeks ago look a little worse for wear as a result.  It is a small price to pay to ensure water for thirsty plantings this summer.

The plants did not mind the rain at all. The perennial garden we planted last weekend is thriving. I added the Gaillardia and Delphinium today. The colors are so rich. I can’t wait to see them set off against Deb’s Dahlia’s this summer.

The trees have all leafed out, and the roses along the fence are beginning to bloom.

Maria’s snow peas are making good progress, and luckily appear either undiscovered, or unappealing, to bunnies.

With the warm sun shining, there were lots of volunteer walkers and dogs coming through the garden today.  They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are what Homeward Bound refers to as “Fool’s Gold” – not-quite Goldens who find their way to this sanctuary. One of them is Chester, apparently from champion hunting stock, this Lab boy desperately needs to find a home. You can see pictures of him here, and read about him at Available Goldens. Much as I enjoy his company in the garden, it’s clear that he would be much happier in an open field with a job and a mission in mind. I hope this loyal pup finds an equally dedicated human soon.

Details in the Garden

The best thing about spring in the garden are the little surprises that appear each day. Upon close inspection today at the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden, Maria’s snow peas have made their presence known. Pushing skyward, they are preparing to climb the couch relic that she has strung to encourage a living slipcover of delicate flowers and bunny snacks.

A very protective Killdeer bird laid her eggs in the bark of one of the beds. She tried to distract me away with her “broken wing act,” but I was able to quickly capture her speckled treasure.

Among the last weeds remaining in her bed, Jody discovered a rabbit hole. It’s not clear if it is occupied or not, but I did not have the heart to unearth the weeds that hid it. Hopefully, any furry friends will remember that I put my faith in peaceful co-existence.

Finally, a new addition that reminds visitors of the garden’s purpose; a place to remember and enjoy the hundreds of Goldens that pass through Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary near Sacramento, CA. This weekend, that included two older, special needs dogs who left with their new families for their forever homes.  A perfect end to a beautiful weekend in the garden.

Playing Hooky in the Garden

I played hooky this afternoon to be in the garden, although I’m not sure it qualifies as hooky when you get your boss’ approval! The forecast calls for rain all weekend, and I knew if I didn’t get to Jody’s garden today, the weeds would be waist-high by next week. Under warm spring skies, I hoped that last weekend’s downpour had time to be absorbed. I was not disappointed!

The soil was still moist, but workable. With the exception of finishing the heavy clay section, the going was good. Halfway through I heard the sound of a power motor headed my way.  Riding to the rescue, Jody was on the mower making quick work of the long grasses that had grown up in the paths after the rains. I don’t know where she gets the energy after a full day of tending to dogs and Homeward Bound administrative requirements. Tired as I was, the sight of fresh-cut, manicured paths motivated me to keep going.

The cleared paths brought out the beauty of the iris and daffodil beds, currently in full bloom. Big blocks of color, against a country backdrop.

A few minutes later, Jody joined me in the garden, planting homeless irises. Just like the dogs rescued by Homeward Bound, she was finding a home for these discarded rhizomes. While the planting time is not ideal, they will no doubt bloom into something beautiful with a little time and attention. Just like the dogs rescued at Homeward Bound.

Irrigation is on its way, with the contractor just waiting for some dry weather to get the work scheduled. As soon as it is done, I have no doubt that truckloads of plants will be delivered and planted by our dedicated volunteers.  Jody shared that a fountain is planned at the entrance, and new chairs for resting dog walkers and their charges are ordered. The most amazing piece planned will be a giant metal tree, from which will hang the tags of dogs that have been adopted and remembered.

When I looked up, the sun was gone, the sky was getting dark, and the afternoon had become evening. I still have about six feet to go on Jody’s bed, but that will have to wait until after the rains.  I’ll play catch-up on job-work this weekend, but it is worth it to have a great afternoon in the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden!

Soggy Gardens

I am either a hopeless optimist, or a very foolish gardener.

Last weekend, I hit hard clay while weeding Jody’s bed at the Homeward Bound Memorial Gardens. (As the founders of Homeward Bound, Jody and Mike Jones devote long hours to rescuing and caring for dogs in need. Weeding is way down on the list, so I’m happy to help!) I made it halfway through the bed without resistance, but this stuff was like digging in rock. I figured that the rain this week would loosen things up. Oh boy!

What I discovered was a soggy mess, with clay-packed mud and weeds that have gone wild in just a week’s time. That sucking sound? That was my feet lifting from thick muck. Ina’s Cottage Garden has a river running through it at the moment, and the only way to traverse the gardens without getting completely soaked is by hopping from one bark-covered bed to another. Unfortunately, Jody’s half-weeded bed is not yet bark-covered, so it was more like stepping into sludge along a river bed!

It was immediately clear how the gardens got so out of control last year; and how much work we will have to do once the rains subside to keep it from being reclaimed by those thorny beasts again. Country gardens are not for the faint of heart!

Making Perfect Matches: Gardens and Goldens

Daffodils, Irises and flowering Rosemary aren’t the only things springing up at Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary. Out working on the gardens today, I couldn’t help capture these cuties. No doubt, they will find quick and happy homes.  Even sweeter were the adult dogs that were being adopted today. Weekends at Homeward Bound are often filled with adoptive families coming to take their Goldens (and Golden-related dogs) home. Such excitement! But it doesn’t happen by chance.

While Homeward Bound places hundreds of dogs with families each year, great care is taken to ensure the right match for all. Just like planning our Memorial Garden, ensuring that we pick the right plants for the clay soil, limited water and full sun conditions, every adoption at Homeward Bound includes an application, a home visit, and an understanding about the family to make the best match. I know from experience!

When our Bella was about 18 months and in need of a companion, we thought we should get another female her age. The placement team at Homeward Bound, knowing Bella and us – knew better.  We got the call to come out and meet our match. A four-month old, fun-loving boy, full of play, but happy to let bossy Bella be in charge. They romped for an hour in one of the pens that day…and they haven’t stopped yet.

So, when you consider your garden, be realistic about what kind of conditions you have, and what kind of gardener you really are (or are willing to be). And when you consider adopting, do the same, to ensure a perfect, forever match.

(P.S…the puppies in this picture are in a giant, protected pen, getting some fresh air and play outside. Don’t be worried about the wire enclosure, or the very thoughtful face on the one on the right!)