Nelson’s Garden

Nelson’s garden has been a project in the works for a couple years now. I started with a slope that dropped 2 feet in just a small area, but it was perfect for a serene sitting area, especially in the morning. We built a slab, tiled it and then I started building a rock wall to create a garden scape. Nelson helped and walked on each rock that was in place, and if it wobbled, I’d fix it. We did this for several weeks until it was finished and ready for dirt. We lost Nelson right after the rock wall was finished and before I finished adding dirt. It took a week and a lot of wheelbarrows of dirt to be dumped and it was in the middle of that garden that we placed Nelson. Thus, Nelson’s garden was his to own and have forever.

For a couple years I’ve added a few plants in the spring and watched them grow and blossom. In June a window and rain chain was added, thanks to MtnMans crafty hands and patience. And, in July an old rusty table was refurbished and painted, thanks to Dawn Marie and Rob.

Dawn and Rob gave me a wind chime and as soon as I opened it, I said it would definitely be hung in Nelson’s garden and she flipped over a wooden message that reads, “In Loving Memory of Nelson!” How sweet and perfect a gift, and what a thoughtful gesture. It is making beautiful music even on the calmest of days.

It is the little things in life that make me smile. It is still a work in progress, but slowly it is becoming a place of zen. There are no parties, no shenanigans and nothing left behind except for what nature allows. It is perfect and mine.

Soon I need to pull up the oregano that started out as a small twig and has turned into a monster bush that is massive and maybe in the spring I will add some tulips and other colorful bulbs.