Gotta Garden

Monday, June 15, 2009

Sad...

Last night, my father passed away. He had fought hard for the past three months, but it wasn't to be. My father had just turned 80, so he had a long life. I feel blessed to have had him as my father and am grateful that I was able to spend that 80th birthday with him.

How this intersects here is that my father enjoyed growing plants. For a number of years, he propagated African Violets and when my parents owned their home, had a vegetable garden every year. I remember his enthusiasm for roses which waned, I suspect, with receiving virused plants that we later learned were problematic during that era. I could talk a lot about my dad, but what I am actually here to write about is something that happened today.

I was lying in bed thinking about my garden for comfort and, in particular, my daylilies (surprise). I had the thought that I would very much like to name a daylily for my dad. My seedlings (it's early yet) haven't exactly been superlative so far (as some of you might know from various forums) this year. It bothered me a bit that I realized I didn't even know my dad's favorite color.

As I pondered this, I thought that it must be a daylily that stands out...not because it is unusual or bizarre (which my dad wasn't)...but one that is sturdy, strong and works its heart out, never giving up. I realized this could be difficult and might take a few years to find out. It would give me comfort to have one to keep an eye on, though. I thought maybe it shouldn't be a tall one (because my dad wasn't) but just average height. It should be one that makes you glad to see it.

Okay, now those are generalizations, but you get my drift. Upon arising this morning, I took the dogs out front and looked around at what was blooming (not seedlings, those are in back)...I felt a bit nervous because I soooo wanted to find something, now that I have this thought. I'm pretty patient with my seedlings, but today is different.

I came inside and took a peek out the window...

I must say, it did catch my eye...and I was very excited to go down and have a look...(you know, the mud...)

Cutting to the chase...


I'm liking it!

A pretty good looking scape....


Now, this is the ffo (first flower open)...ever...on this seedling...it has lots of challenges to go through...but, I gotta tell you....on such a sad day, I feel a bit of hope...and, I guess, maybe a tad encouraged...

Here it is again...(that's self-seeded parsley behind it...in the seedling bed...I am, apparently, running a swallowtail butterfly farm...)...


Well, who knows...but, for today...it's enough...

14 comments:

Jan said...

Oh, I am very sorry to hear of your dad's passing...and feel sorrow for you in your time of loss. It's nice that you've found comfort in this bright offspring from a seedling! My dad died the day after his 76th birthday, in 2005. It was a sad time--as our dad's don't die every day! It's a memorable event, one that you seem to have commemorated with your lovely lily. Take good care...my thoughts are with you;-) (((Hugs to you))) Jan

Rosemary said...

It is never the right age for loved ones to die, how nice your Dad had 80 years....your beautiful daylily would be a fantastic tribute to your Dad.

Colleen Wms said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It is wonderful that you have your gardens to help you find comfort. GL with finding exactly the right daylily to commemorate your dad.
I have a number of garden areas that were created to commemorate the loss of a loved one even if I am the only one who knows how they came to be.

Shady Gardener said...

If I'm understanding you correctly, this is a seedling you started yourself? It is definitely a prize, and I'm liking it, too! Does this plant need to go through a process of maturation and having the flowers be consistently the same for a number of years before you can name it? It is definitely striking and looks Very Sturdy. I hope you have a "winner!"

Please accept my sympathy in the death of your father. I haven't experienced this, yet. It is inevitable at some point in time, but it's hard to think about.

My dad would probably like this color. He grows roses, and these last few he's purchased have all been shades of red. And he's been a hard-working, sturdy fellow, too.

Blessings.

Les said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I don't want to imagine what that must be like. Your growing tribute to your father is a great idea. Spend some time in the garden and peace be with you.

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

It is always too soon to lose one's father. I am so sorry for the loss of yours and hope your many happy memories will comfort you.

That is indeed a lovely bloom...a heart of gold was my first thought.
I'll be waiting to see what becomes of it.

Shirley said...

Hi there, it’s been a while :-)

So very sorry to hear about your loss and my heart goes out to you at this time. Oh… but I’m so very pleased that you’ve something to focus on to remember your Dad and to mark his life :-D

Plants wither they be young seedlings, old favourites or ones that connect you to a person or moment in time they are such a poignant way of remembrance.

From someone (be it person or pet) that dies something lives on with each plant we plant to remember them. We enrich our planet that is left behind too. We live but for a while but you are marking the life of your father in a way that you can do and by the sounds of it he would appreciate it too :-D

Go girl… you gotta garden and you gotta remember your Dad… and you will. He will never be forgotten :-)

Gotta Garden said...

Thank you so much for your kind and caring words. I truly appreciate them. I don't feel my usual chatty self, however, I will come back to this later...thanks again.

~~Rhonda said...

No need for a response to this...I just want to tell you that I am sorry to hear your father passed away. He sounds like a wonderful man and a great father. I hope the seedling works out for you. It is beautiful. Post later blooms from it sometime so we can see how they look, too, though the FFO was gorgeous! A lovely tribute to your dad. ~~Rhonda

Andrea said...

Hello, I am so sorry to hear about your dad passing away. The thought of naming a daylily after your father is wonderful. Wishing you lots of strengths to see you through the coming weeks. Andrea

Water Damage St Louis, MO said...

very cool pictures!

<3 Lindsay

Shady Gardener said...

Hope you don't mind... I put a link to you in my post today. :-)

Anonymous said...

I am so, so sorry to hear about your father passing away. I'm happy to hear that your garden is helping you through this time of grieving.

With all those beautiful daylilies growing in your garden, I know where I want to be photographing! :-) And I must say that I love the name, "bet your sweet bippy!" Too fun!

Hope this comment finds you doing well today.

Cindy

Sylvana said...

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. What a great way to have him remembered - a flower with his name! I really like the one that you are thinking of. It is classic.

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