Tiffany's Serenity Garden

The Weeping Cherry is in bloom, Tiffany.  I think this one's going to make it just fine.  And soon after, it will be the Flowering Dogwood that will be blooming, along with the other perennials I chose so carefully for the front of the house and around the trees where your Serenity Garden sits.  All made possible from the generosity of so many people who gave in your memory.

I think I've nearly completed the task I set myself two years ago...to create a place of peace and serenity at the house where you spent 16 years of your life.  I'll know for sure when spring wanes and summer begins to make itself known in all its warmth and glory.  Then I will see if the plants I carefully nurtured survived this tough winter.  I think you'll be happy, Tiffany, with what's been done in the place where so many family pictures were taken throughout those years.

Tiffany and her Grandmother at her HS Graduation - 2005

What once was just a barren area around the trees is now filled with roses, hydrangeas and other flowering perennials.  There's now a bench, a flower stand for a potted plant and when the weather is warmer, a beautiful hibiscus and bougainvillea that survived nicely in the family room with the new southern facing windows.  We've even added angels to represent you and Jordan and other lost babies.  And to cap everything off, it is all surrounded by a low stone half-wall, brick edging and a brick pathway from the sidewalk in front of the house.  Perfect in every way.

Last year we took it another step further by enclosing the base of the evergreen tree.  As I placed the bench that sat on the porch for so many years and had most recently been part of your garden, a neighbor walked by and remarked at what a tranquil setting it made.  This gave me the idea to expand on the theme of tranquility and the results were all I could hope for.  I added wire plant stands, a beautiful angel and a cart to hold more plants.  And best of all, a bird bath!

The final piece of the plan I hope to finish this year.  The key to that plan is the new patio by the pool.  We hope to have a fountain as the centerpiece, if possible, to honor you.  I remember how much you loved that pool -- sunning on the lounge chairs, swimming with friends, playing with Emmitt, floating in the pool and much more.  I think even the pool misses you...

 There were no butterflies last year nor birds this year but I hope somehow you'll find your way to visit us, give us a sign or simply flutter and flit through the gardens of peace, serenity and tranquility.