By Patricia Lavoie
It was a rather unexpected phone call. Would we like our garden to be included in a pop-up tour organized by the Brome Lake Garden Club?
Why not? we thought. After all, the new approach is to showcase gardens that are accessible and relatable — gardens that make people think:
“Oh, I could do that. That’s definitely doable.”
Ours certainly fits that category.
And so began the decisions!
Bulbs or plants already in bloom? Annuals or perennials?
Will they flower too soon? Too late? Will they flower at all?
(Also: How do you deadhead a canna lily? Thank goodness for Google.)
Much to my delight, my husband often shares his thoughts about what I should be doing in the flower beds. This event was no exception.
The Challenges Begin
Marital tension aside, there were real challenges.
Problem: How to stop the deer and rabbits from eating the hostas? Or from sleeping smack in the middle of a hard-to-reach flower bed?
Several four-foot loosestrife plants had been flattened by some large object. After a major propping-up operation, I sprayed the entire garden with a vile-smelling repellent designed to deter all living creatures.
And as my husband offered more tips about spraying technique, I narrowly resisted the urge to change the nozzle’s target….
The Final Countdown
Eventually, it came down to preening, cleaning, and praying.
Where were those gladiolus? Still no blooms six days before the tour.
Then, on Thursday night, just before the big day — Hurricane Debby brought torrential rain and high winds.
Friday brought more of the same.
The worst storm of the summer.
By Friday night, we were bracing ourselves. Everything would be soaked. Flattened. Could it get worse?
Yes. We lost power. Darkness. Physical and emotional. The garden tour was going to be a disaster.
A Minor Miracle
At 6 a.m. on Saturday, we were out in the garden with some helpful friends. And — miraculously — the garden had survived!
Even better, against all forecasts, the sun came out at 9 a.m. — just in time.
There was a garden tour god after all.
We loved the adventure and wouldn’t change a thing. We met wonderful fellow amateur gardeners, exchanged stories and tips.
Every garden loved and tended — whether grand or modest — deserves to be shared.
Heartfelt thanks to the Brome Lake Garden Club and the generous, talented volunteers who made the day a success.
And yes — there were even a few gladioli in bloom.
Couples counseling is going well.
You must be logged in to post a comment.