Change!
Change is inevitable.
And change has come to me and my Arranger…big time.
Two days ago we closed on the sale of our home and garden. We will be moving in June to Windsor Run in Matthews, NC, a new retirement community. Age…and the inevitable wear and tear on the back…has caught up with me, and it has been clear that it is time to give the shovel over to younger hands. I am delighted to be able still to run around and dance in my octogenarian years, but lifting that big pot of annuals has become a big no-no.
When I walked through my garden…my garden…for the last time over the weekend, I was struck with how beautiful it has become. This photo catches a sweet memory that I will carry with me: an Itoh peony ‘Keiko,’ backed by a bed of luscious ‘Caesar’s Brother Siberian iris, backed by viburnum ‘Summer Snowflake.
This is by no means an end to A Walk in the Garden. I intend to continue writing about my own garden memories, the good lessons and the bad, about other people’s gardens that I visit, and things I see about town. I won’t be able to include flowers from my own garden for In a Vase on Monday, the meme hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the Garden, but there are wild flowers out there by the road that may make their way into a vase from time to time.
I’m also working on a new book, and I can guarantee that you just might be hearing about that as well.
My Arranger and I are grateful for you readers out there in the blogosphere from all over the world who have encouraged us with your kind comments about our offerings over the past four plus years. You are so much appreciated.
A Walk in the Garden 
Always sad when it comes to that, but one has to be pragmatic. We are lucky that when we had to give up our big garden we were still able to move to a smaller one.
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Most fortunate. Thanks.
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Good luck John. I will miss your flower arrangements and your garden shots.
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Thank you, Arlene, for your encouragement.
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Leaving a well loved garden is very hard, even more so if you can’t take divisions with you. Sounds as if you have plenty of plans for touring other gardens available to you. New adventures await!
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Thanks. We are looking forward, indeed, to the next series of adventures. Stay tuned.
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John, we have enjoyed knowing you And your wife over the years. I’m a member of the Plein Airies art group that you so willingly have shared your gardens with each year. Also, I’ve really enjoyed your postings and your Arranger’s ‘In a Vase’. We appreciate so much your generosity. Best wishes in your new home and many blessings. 😘
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you, Suzanne. Even in the rain you and your plein aire buddies were always welcome in the garden. Thanks for your good wishes.
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Hey John, good for you taking this step before the garden gets to be a chore rather than a pleasure. Of course it will be hard to leave such a beautiful garden behind, but I am sure the new owners will appreciate it and tend it as lovingly. Wishing you and your Arranger the best of luck and happy times in your new home!
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Thank you, Cathy, for your support over these four plus years. Our new owners are friends and gardeners so we are confident the garden will live on.
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My best wishes, John, on this new life adventure.
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Thanks, Cynthia.
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We wish you a happy and blessed life in your new home 🤗🍀
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Your kind wishes are most welcome and appreciated.
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Being a garden fanatic myself, I realize this is a decision we all must make at some point in our lives. Cheers to change! With such an awesome attitude, I am sure you will find new hobbies to connect with. Best wishes always… and good luck for the book! Loved the picture:)
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Thank you for your encouragement for our future.
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Welcome! Keep sharing the new life ahead … WordPress will still be a constant!
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John – our painting group certainly enjoyed our outings to your garden… You two were so lovely to share it with us! A beautiful spot with many happy memories for us as well….I hope you and your wife will enjoy Windsor Run…a couple of our neighbors have moved there also. Life is lived in chapters and hope this one will be a lovely new one for you both, and the good news is you’re still close to those 6 grandkids! Best Wishes!
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You and your painting buddies were so welcome in our garden…a real blessing.
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John – I so admire your positive spirit. And so much about your precious garden has inspired someone very far away in France (especially those Itoh peonies!). I hope you will also take pictures before you leave and post them … it’s a change that will come to all of us and there is so much beauty out in the world, beyond our gardens. I trust that you and your Arranger will carry on sharing it with us in the future. All the very best for the exciting months ahead of you!
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Thanks, Cathy. I did take a few photos before we left and will post them soon. Thanks for your warm wishes.
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My good wishes to you John and to the arranger. It is always hard to leave a garden but it is good to know when that needs to happen. All happiness in your future home and I will always enjoy reading whatever you find to write about here.
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Thanks, Christina. You have been a continuing encourager, very much appreciated. I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to meet when you passed through Charlotte a few years back.
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Yes, it was a shame; it’s always nice to put faces to blogs.
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I’ve enjoyed your posts, though I haven’t commented often. I should have. I feel a bit sad, but also excited for you and your new adventure. Whoever gets YOUR garden is going to receive a real gift!
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Thank you, Dawn, for your kind comment.
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Good luck on your new home! I hope the purchasers of the old have some appreciation of the garden they are inheriting. As always, I look forward to your future posts.
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Thanks, Jason. The feeling is mutual. I do so enjoy your posts and your Judy’s photographs. You help me appreciate native plants more than I have in the past. Our buyers are gardeners and friends so I’m sure they will take good care of the garden. It is, of course, theirs and I’m sure they will make it their own.
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John, I knew it was coming but don’t know how I missed your post that you’ve actually moved. My very best wishes to you and your arranger. Hope you’ll enjoy your new home. Look forward to hearing your new adventures.
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You are most kind, Susie. Thank you for your sweet comment. I will continue to look forward to seeing your garden and your Monday vases.
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A promise that best be kept! I look forward to reading all about “the next chapter”! I’m sure you are plenty busy with the move and all. Take care! Had I but known you were selling – I’ve always dreamed of moving to NC. Sounds like the new residents will take good care of the gardens!
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Thank you, Elizabeth. If I had only known…..
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Best of luck as you begin this new chapter. I’m looking forward to reading about your new adventures. Leaving a much-loved garden is difficult. I think gardeners leave a part of themselves in each garden they create. Exciting, though that younger hands will take the reins and love the space you created.
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Thank you, Peter, for your good wishes. I will be challenged to find a replacement for my garden focus.
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I don’t know how I almost missed this post! Congratulations on the new place, and I hope it brings you many years of enjoyment and many new adventures. It’s so hard leaving a place you’ve grown into but change is so revitalizing. All the best!
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And a late thank you for your kind remarks.
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I don’t know how I missed this. I thought I was following but clicked something again to be sure. In a way, I’m glad I didn’t see this because I have left two gardens behind and it remains a loss I feel. This beautiful photograph says it all. The time, thought and backbreaking work that is worth every minute. I know you have left a part of your heart in leaving this beautiful space. I have shed a tear for you because I know how difficult it is to close that garden gate.
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The gate is closed. We went back for a dinner invitation from the buyers, and we really did not cry. The garden is in good hands, but I do miss it already. We’ll be in touch about getting together soon.
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