Tag: Sunflower

As Long As There Are Dogs

We have had four full fall seasons since we began our effort of building a Memorial Garden for the dogs and volunteers to enjoy. The garden continues to evolve as foundation plants mature, and the more temperamental succumb to our ongoing drought.

Season One was full of overflowing Zinnia’s and Dahlias.

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Season Two was the year of Rudbeckia, huge Mexican Sages and gigantic mums.

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Season Three delivered towering Sunflowers and Amaranthus.

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Missing this year altogether are the Dahlias, Amaranthus and beautiful purple Basil which never took hold. The Rudbeckia and Zinnias passed through half-heartedly; the Mexican Sage, herb garden and mums are but a shadow of their former selves.

“Despite the gardener’s best intentions, Nature will improvise.” ~Michael P. Garofalo

Still, we have some constants: the roses,

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Ina’s magnificent Asters with divides now populating the entire garden,

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our faithful Yarrow,

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flowing Fountain Grass which somehow survived the winter,

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the return of tiny frogs,

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Maria’s harvest-inspired decorations…

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And dogs. Always dogs.

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Going home this weekend: Jenny,

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Ginger,

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and Marley.

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As long as there are dogs that need to go home, there will be a fall garden at Homeward Bound –

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in one form or another.

First Hint of Fall

Every year I prepare for our annual ocean camping trip over Labor Day weekend. It’s how I know that Fall is near. The Memorial Garden seems to sense it too…earlier this year.

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The Obedient Plant in Ina’s Cottage Garden is making an appearance.

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Maria’s Sunflowers are showcasing shades of gold and red.

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The grapes are sun-kissed ripe and wonderfully sweet,

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and the Sedum has flowered.

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The tiny drifts planted last spring have sprouted a new fountain…and its guest.

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And the Amaranthus, started from seed, is spreading like deep red pearls throughout the Perennial bed.

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Even Sequoia is dressed in fall colors. This sweet girl was surrendered by a family that loved her dearly, but happened to live in a grove of Eucalyptus trees that she is horribly allergic to. No amount of medication could help, so they entrusted her to us to help her recover and find her a home where she is pain (and itch) free.

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I’m not sure that I am ready to say good-bye to summer – although I am very ready to leave the stifling hot valley for a week of ocean air, cold nights and campfires.

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The garden – well it does what it will in its own time – ready of not.