How My Mom Has Inspired Me in My Garden
see how my mom has inspired my Pacific Northwest garden
Hi! I am Meg, Barb Rosen’s daughter, and I am writing today to show my mom how much I love her and how she has inspired me in my garden. I may not have birdhouses, ladders and birdbaths galore but mom has cultivated my love for what we like to call “the wild and wonky” garden. My garden has a way to go … that is what I love about it! Come take a peek to see how my garden has changed over the last few years with many thanks to my mom’s creative (and affordable!) ideas.
I fell in love with this cute cottage because of the huge yard with plenty of space to garden but I was overwhelmed and did not know where to begin! Mom knew immediately what to do: some fresh paint to play to the country cottage charm, bamboo to cover the chain link fencing, clematis on trellises on the front and side porches to add coziness, and a plan to slowly eliminate the front lawn and transform it into more garden space (and less mowing!). How does she think of these things!?
Country cottage charm inspired by mom!
Note the wild and wonky arch made of cherry tree trimmings, the expanded side porch garden and the hexagonal raised beds … all inspired by mom!
Another wild arch!
And another. I got a bit carried away … just like my mom!
Mom thought the shed was adorable and what an amazing spot to feature a rock and succulent garden. This flowerbed was problematic. It does not get much rain because it is protected by a larger cedar so drought-tolerant sedums and succulents were the way to go! I didn’t need to start with many … they spread like crazy!
Note the stack of pavers anticipating my next project … the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!
I love the really dark, moody and geometric flowers and mom has suggested that I pair them with bright flowers to make them pop. She has so many great suggestions!
Before: Front garden
Before: Side garden
Before: Shed garden
After: Front garden
After: Side garden
After: Shed garden
Mom, I love you! You inspire me in my garden and in my life. I may even be inspired to learn how to take better pictures ;) Love, meg
You did a great job on your yard. I can tell you are Barb’s daughter! I think the wonky or whimsy part came to me as I got a little older so there is still hope for you yet! LOL!
WOW!! What a great Mother’s Day present to wake up to, Meg! Can’t wait to come to Oregon in July and see it all blooming in person! We’ll do some more projects together! Thanks for a very special surprise, sweetie!
I love you to pieces!
XXOO
Mom
Wasn’t that fun, Carlene? What you all may not realize is that Meg is also the one who set up my website for me last year and suggested that I blog about my gardening and projects.
You are welcome, mom! Love you and can’t wait to see you in July :) xxoo
Thanks, Carlene! I have a lot to learn and LOVE the mother-daughter bonding over the garden :)
Dear Barb,
What a lovely Mother’s Day tribute from Meg! I really enjoyed seeing her house and garden. Thanks for sharing, Megan! Jason and Sarah enjoy their garden as well. Nice to see the next generation’s enthusiasm has taken root. Pun intended… Love, Debra
Good one, Debra! And now that I am retiring in June I’ll be able to pull up my roots and get around more – like down to see you and your gardens!
Happy belated birthday!
awesome job!!! I’m very jealous :D
I’m going to take some things you did an
put them to use in my yard!
Didn’t Meg do a fantastic job in her garden, Eileen? She has a wonderful talent for plant combinations and color!
Happy Gardening!
Barb (Meg’s Mom)
Absolutely beautiful. I love everything you and your Mother did.
Thanks for stopping by, Carolyn! I may have inspired, but Meg did all the work on her garden!
Happy Gardening,
Barb (Meg’s Mom)
Oh my goodness, that is so sweet! Your mom should be proud! What a wonderful connection you have. You all did great!
I am proud as punch of my wonderful, gardening daughter, Cecilia : ) Wasn’t that just the perfect Mother’s Day gift for a gardening mom?