Like most of you, I’m thinking of what I’m thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day. And like many, I’m thankful for my family, my friends, and my health. To say this year has been challenging is an understatement, but we can all find something for which to be thankful!
I’m sure you know families who have struggled with Covid-19, maybe someone in your own family. I’ve prayed for those I know and even those I’ve never met who have lost loved ones and for those who had extended hospital stays when no one in their family could be with them. Some of us have friends or family with small businesses who have lost their homes and cars trying to stay afloat when businesses were in lockdown or slowed down considerably.
I recently wrote about gardening therapy, including the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of playing in the dirt…of planting a seed, nurturing a tiny plant along until it blooms or produces food. Gardening feeds my soul and I get much more out of it than I probably put into it. I always feel like I am one of God’s caretakers when I’m working in the garden. I am extraordinarily thankful that I’m still able to do that. The effort isn’t always easy, but the rewards are great!
Thinking of those blessings reminded me of others, including two neighbors who were not only delightful but appreciated all of my hard work in transforming a backyard overgrown with ivy into beautiful flower beds.
Our next door neighbor, “Ms. Laurette,” was a Rothschild, one of the founding families of Columbus. She was a historian who authored many stories regarding the early history of Columbus, Georgia. Her intense interest in her community’s history led her to research and support the placement of several public historical markers, including the Historic Columbus Foundation and the state theatre of Georgia, the Springer Opera House. In 2004, the Historic Columbus Foundation recognized Ms. Laurette as an Honored Lady. She was a gracious, southern belle if ever there was.
Her yard was beautifully landscaped with camellias, and huge patio planters changed seasonally. We frequently talked over the wall that separated our backyards. I would be working in my flower beds in a tank top and shorts, and she would be in a dress with gloves on pruning her roses.
She would often tell me how envious she was regarding what I had accomplished in my flower beds and regretted that she could no longer physically do the same. I miss all of my gardening talks with Ms. Laurette. She’s been gone for 12 years, but I will never forget her.
Our neighbor across the street, Carl Porter, was an avid rose grower. He had a beautiful courtyard behind his home with dozens of varieties of roses. We had many conversations about the care and nurturing of those beautiful, but sometimes, finicky flowers. I cherished his advice.
Traveling to England to visit the David Austin rose gardens has always been on my bucket list. If I never make that trip, at least I got to visit a stunning display of roses just across the street.
Mr. Porter and his dear wife, Anne, moved away several years ago. I hope he is still planting a rose or two. I’m sure it makes his heart happy that his son-in-law Chris’s landscaping company, Wildwood Gardens, has added breathtaking beauty to many yards in our community.
At this point in my life, while I might have to pace myself to work in my flowers, I am thankful that I can still put in enough work to achieve my desired results.
I am also thankful to provide a haven for a variety of birds, 
butterflies, and bees. Last year, my niece gave me a finch feeder to add to my bird buffet collection. I had a blast watching all of those little finches flock daily to the six perches to feed.
I am also grateful for the return each year of the bi-colored camellia, azaleas, peony, and all of the perennials that faithfully return each spring and summer. Some I bought myself, and some were gifted to me by family and friends.
Gardening is about sharing, much like this season, and I am thankful for the beauty and peace that unfolds in my little corner of the world. So, yes, in spite of everything that swirls around in the outside world, I am thankful for what I have and what brings me great happiness while I lose myself in my flowers!
Thanks to all of you for sharing the Green Thumb Gardening journey with me. I look forward to what we both learn and discover in the garden in 2022!
