My Garden of Friendship
Change is hard. It hurts to say farewell to familiar faces and places that are etched in my mind. For me, visions of the Minneapolis skyline and the chiseled Stone Arch Bridge kept creeping up like a weed, trying to destroy any hopes of planting new roots in Wisconsin.
Seeds of friendship were sprinkled daily by welcoming folks in Waunakee. Initially, I resisted almost every invitation and the idea of allowing new roots to take hold. Eventually, after shedding what seemed like a monsoon of tears, I opened my heart and let the sun shine over those seeds, which slowly began to sprout.
The result was an exquisite garden of friendship that grew almost magically overnight. Nostalgia for Minneapolis remained. But there were less tears and more laughter, while reminiscing over reunions with family and friends in both states.
Over the past thirteen years, my garden has been transformed from a cold rock bed with prickly bushes to a radiant flower bed with smiling shrubs, that evoke images of old and new friends.
Shade gardens quietly steal the show in the land of 10,000 lakes. Bleeding Hearts are a dainty classic you can always count on, like my high school besties Lynn and Cathy. Both may be short in stature, but are big hearted.
Waves of pink petunias, trailing greens and a sparrow nestled inside is a creation inspired by my college chum, Amy; a Minnesota transplant who has a gift for designing sacred spaces and always blooms where she’s planted.
Zinnias spark joy in a rainbow of colors, much like my dear Minnesota friends; Kristi, Denise, Michelle and Renee. Easy to grow and nurture, like our friendships, which the flower is said to symbolize. Despite the miles between us, all are blooming bright, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
I have learned that once you have the courage to pull the weeds and work the clay soil, gardens can flourish in Wisconsin too. Despite the harsh winters, mine grows wildly, like friends on the vine! Each one is unique, a sight to behold and treasure
Red Geraniums represent true friendship in a bold hue like Kendra. We bonded over tea and our daughters. As dramatic as the day is long, her Shakespearean wit still baffles me, but I so appreciate her authenticity. No matter which character she steps into, her individuality shines through. The roots of our friendship run deep and there’s nothing we can’t settle over a pot of tea or a bottle of Prosecco.
Whispering from the backyard every spring, I hear “forget me not!” The flower of remembrance sprouts up after a long winter’s nap, much like my neighbor, Amie, in beautiful shades of sky blue, ready to pick up right where we left off.
Daisies symbolize new beginnings and remind me of Emily. We clicked almost instantly and decided to start a Daisy Troop together the day we met. Little did we know then, how quickly those precious years would pass, as our daisies blossomed into young women before our eyes.
Black-Eyed Susans are sturdy and sassy like Kelcey, who helped me weed and plant. Hydrangeas are delicate and romantic, like Marianne, who has a green thumb. The cascading Bridal Veil reminds me of Vicki, who blooms beautifully in spring. A Japanese lilac tree smells heavenly and adds a touch of class, like Cheri.
Pansies, like Leslie, are cheerful and can survive almost anything, even frost. The vintage trellis with trailing English Ivy is my European explorer pal, Tamara, an old soul who’s young at heart.
I am grateful for my vibrant garden of friendship, which has no gate. Welcome to all those who are brave enough to pull the weeds, dance in the rain and open their heart to new friendships.
Support Local Greenhouses
Whatever the season, I find the best quality plants and gardening supplies at the local greenhouses. Klein’s Floral, is my favorite place for flowers and plants here in Madison.
Learn more about the history of this family business and what sets them apart from big box garden centers in the inspiring story, Klein’s Floral: Blooming Bright for Future Generations.
