A colleague of mine called it a career this week and, as these things often go, I found the occasion to be bittersweet. I am happy for my retired co-worker, but sad to see her go. When I met Catherine a year-and-a-half ago, we connected immediately over our love of gardens. For two growing seasons, I was lucky enough to assist her in caring for the flowers around the museum in High Park, Colborne Lodge.
 |
| Colborne Lodge, the museum in High Park. John George Howard and Jemima Howard built Colborne Lodge in 1837 as a summer home and retired there in 1855. |
I am not really a warm and fuzzy type and I'm not big on gifts or grand gestures, but I did want to mark this significant milestone in some way. Naturally, my thoughts turned to the gardens around the Lodge, and a light-hearted poem packed with puns emerged.
For Catherine
I'm not great at thank yous or goodbyes
so thistle have to do
A look back at the memories
of the garden that you grew
Snapdragons and salvia bursting with colour
Tropical cannas bringing the heat
Susans in waves at the height of summer
Phlox and roses make the garden complete
Pink poppies dancing among the trees
Calendula laughing in December
Sweet scent of milkweed and lilac on the breeze
Oh, what a garden to remember
Thank you very mulch for everything
I hope our frondship lasts the test of thyme
John, Jemima, and the Lodge will miss you so
as will your fellow gardener in crime
 |
| Pink poppies are a sight to behold in spring |
 |
| You know it's summer when the phlox are in full bloom |
 |
| A mass planting of Black-Eyed Susans signals that summer will soon be winding down |
 |
| The astonishing loveliness of Hollyhocks |
Happy Retirement!
Happy Gardening!
