My mother's garden

No garden exists without work. Although my mother would love to keep working in the garden, at 85 years old she no longer has the stamina. When I visit I help by doing what I can - the garden she created has treasured memories for all of the family. Over the years I have seen the creation of the garden, its maturity and new patches planted started, then the long period of maintenance and replanting. A garden has a lifecycle; as well, a legacy can be created that others may take on. Looking back over the years of my mother's garden highlights some of the issues with maintaining a native garden anywhere, especially as the owner ages.