Hi GPODers!
While I try my best to keep it light here on GPOD—with all of the hardship going on in the world, I hope GPOD can provide readers a small bright spot in there day—but today’s submission reminded me that we do need to have some discussion about difficult events to help find healing and provide hope.
The complete impact of the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles earlier this month have yet to be seen, but those that have lost home and property are already dealing with the heartbreaking loss and figuring out how to move forward. Carol Cowee has a few words of hope after surviving the California wildfires in 2018, and shared some colorful photos of the new tranquil space they cultivated after losing everything six years ago. (To see photos of the incredible garden that Carol sadly lost, check out her previous submissions: Rebuilding a Garden After a Fire and Roses, Despite Fire and Clay)
Carol Cowee, Redding, CA, zone 9. We’ve been in this, our 17th house, for 6 years after losing our home of 34 years and 170 roses, to a wildfire in 2018. Obviously, one does survive, and thrive, after such devastation as we are now observing the horrendous fires in SoCal! Just a word of encouragement to those souls. We gardeners are so lucky to have healing right at our fingertips…
In her previous submissions, Carol mentioned that she was able to save some small roses from the incredible collection she lost. I wonder if this multicolored Playboy® in pot (Rosa ‘Playboy’, Zones 5–10) is one of those survivors or a new addition that is thriving?
While the amazing gardens that were lost will never be forgotten, Carol has an incredible view of her back garden to help heal and inspire new creation.
While not the fully filled in, mature plants that Carol lost in 2018, her news beds are providing fabulous color and joy as well as new memories. The tall, stylish pot in the middle of this bed is a gift from a friend.
A closer view of the back garden with the lovely view of Gregory Pond that Carol now enjoys from her new home.
A beautiful foundation planting of pink Madeira™ Crested argyranthemum (Argyranthemum frutescens, Zones 5–7) pairs well with the succulents in the bird bath beside that are sending out lovely shoots of peach-colored blooms.
Another stunning view of Carol’s back garden, revealing that the pot of Playboy® roses actually has a matching companion. Carol says this is Where her and her husband often have “cocktails on the veranda”. I can’t think of a better place to rest and relax!
Lastly, Carol surrounds herself with color inside as well as out. A delightful array of colorful roses from the garden make an incredible arrangement.
Thank you so much for sharing your new space with us, Carol! It is really inspiring to see what you’ve created and witness your hope in despite of devastating loss.
We love celebrating gardening wins on GPOD, but we all know that gardening has just as many lows as it does highs and documenting our challenges offers us a space to heal and learn from each other’s experiences. If you’ve experienced gardening destruction, or complete loss, consider sharing your story with the blog.
And if you’re looking for ways to help those effected by the wildfires in L.A., visit this resource from the City of Los Angeles’ website: Support Wildfire Relief Efforts
Have a garden you’d like to share?
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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