Tuesday 19 November 2013

The woodland area has looked beautiful this year.   I took this photograph around two weeks ago.     With hesitation I divided hellebores and Arum Italicum in August.    It appears to have been very successful.    I just hope that the Hellebores flower this year, as I would miss their beautiful blooms in the depths of winter.

I lost interest in the garden when my father died.   I felt very empty and lost for quite some time.  I missed his daily jokes, his kind words and deeds.....but most of all the big bear hug he would always give me when things were difficult.      Dad always said to me to keep smiling, no matter what happens in life try to reflect on the positive, not the negative.   I hear his words.    Dad never let things get him down.......he was a wonderful man and I realise I was so lucky to have such a caring and kind Father.   Yes I smile when I think of him, sometimes my heart is heavy but that is becoming less.

I have planted a small orchard in front of the tree house.   It is dedicated to my Father....he loved fruit trees.  


12 comments:

  1. It's difficult to keep smiling sometimes but your father was right - there is always something positive to smile about even in the depths of sadness. Your garden is so beautiful and must give you so much pleasure.

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  2. Tku Jane......I always try to look on the bright side.
    Indeed the garden does give me much pleasure......it is very healing.

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  3. Your woodland garden is indeed beautiful Cheryl. I am not surprised that the hellebores and Arum did ok with the division. I don't think you can kill them by moving them around. I hope they bloom for you this winter. That I am not so sure of. Can't wait to see your orchard standing tall. Your Father would have loved to see it. I know he is giving you a big hug for doing this in his honor. When my Mom died I didn't do anything in my garden for a year so I can certainly empathize with you. How is your conservatory coming along? All the leaves are off our trees. The frost has taken most everything. Brrrr.

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    1. Tku for your kind words Lisa.
      I am always reluctant to divide Hellebores....I do not know why. I think it is because they are one of my favourite plants and I would hate to lose any of them.......

      The conservatory is finished.....we are very pleased with it. Tku for asking.

      The leaves are still on the Oaks at the back of the garden but Maples are now in their winter form. We have had several grass frosts, nothing that bad. We are expecting an Artic blast next week, so no doubt we will see huge changes to the garden.

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  4. I love your woodland garden, Cheryl! It all looks so natural, yet I know you've worked hard to make it that way. Your father sounds like a very wise man, and I know you must miss him very much. But he would be proud of the orchard you have planted, and as time brings healing, I think you might feel closer in spirit to him as you work in the garden.

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  5. Tku Rose, for your kind words.
    Yes indeed, you are right. I have worked hard to make it look natural. I wanted it to fit in with the surrounding countryside. I havn't always got it right but generally I am pleased with the results.

    Dad would have loved the orchard....it is so strange how we often think to do these things when someone passes over. I wish I had done it when he was alive, so he could have watched it grow.

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  6. Hi Cheryl,

    Sorry to hear you're finding it difficult to garden after the loss of your father.... I am sure he would have wanted you to enjoy your garden just as much as if he were around.

    I know words of wisdom are not necessarily helpful right now, and only time will hopefully help you move on. I can empathise with you though, and can't possibly know just how you must feel, but I do hope you can find peace with his passing soon. Your garden is beautiful, you are a wonderful person and your father sounds to be amazing too.

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  7. Tku Liz, for your kind and comforting words.
    My Dad was an amazing man.....I tend his little garden as my Mother is unable to cope with it.
    Strange, it has been so full of blooms this year, almost a tribute to him. His roses are still in full flower.

    I am sure my enthusiasm for the garden will return, there is much healing in a garden.

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  9. Losing a parent is so difficult. My mom passed in 2011. We shared the love of gardening. I will be thinking of you.

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    1. Sally, it is indeed difficult. I hope you have been able to accept your Mothers passing and that you can think of her with a smile and not heartache.
      How wonderful to share the love of gardening with your Mother, a blessing I am sure, you must have some lovely memories.

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  10. Thinking of you and the dreadful rain. I do hope your garden will not be damaged.

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