By Cathy Robbins

When I used to think of gardens and plants many different thoughts came to mind. Often, I enjoyed the visual beauty of a lovely landscape at someone’s home and how it enhanced the surroundings to make the outdoor space something special.

Color and variety were always so pleasing to the eye and could be enjoyed every day just driving in the city or in my own neighborhood. Growing up, our neighbors had a beautiful backyard garden that attracted many visitors in the spring and summer. To my childish eyes I imagined it was like the Garden of Eden. It was so calm and beautiful that it seemed to hold a wonderful peace. I imagined heaven must be like this, so green and cool and perfect.

As J grew older J came to enjoy the wonders of another type of a garden. One full of color also but with the bonus of fruits, berries and vegetables. Who knew how gorgeous the blossoms were on a squash or okra, what a great surprise. How amazing it was to me, just like having the grocery in your backyard!

Now when I think of gardens, the very best memories are the ones I have of my mother and her garden. It was not flashy or spectacular as some others, but definitely full of happiness. I often remember her so peacefully puttering around and tending the plants. If you were close enough, you could hear her humming a favorite hymn and you could just tell it was a favorite time of day.

My Mother is gone now and there are many memories I will always have. Her great delight in her grandchildren, the wonderful aromas of her kitchen, the faithfulness she showed to her friends and family. Examples she taught by the way she lived and so much more. She also left us living memories in her garden.

I have the garden of her last home and all I have to do is walk out the door and I can feel her around me by the sweet fragrances of the daffodils she planted. Soon I’ll enjoy the iris and daylilies that will begin to bud. Now it is my turn to tend the plants and sometimes as I’m weeding, I find myself humming a hymn.

Her garden is a gift that continues to give. The plants are thriving and multiplying and now I share them with siblings for their gardens. I’m sure they will think of her with every season and be thankful for the gift of a living memory.

Cathy Robbins, a Master Gardener in the Capital City Master Gardener Association since 2014, lives in Montgomery. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit our web site, www. capcitymqa.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com.