A Gardener's Place

Earlier this spring, I stopped in at one of my very favorite jobsites to get a count for new trees we'd be installing.  Like I usually do, I took a moment to walk the whole property- and was blown away by the spring blossoms.  We had a rough spring the year before, and the plants were making up for it this year.

I snapped these photos with my cellphone.  I forget, sometimes, to take in the beauty that is the whole landscape- instead focusing on the minute details.  A plant missing here, aphids on the roses there...

The Gentleman (and I mean that in every sense of the word) whom these gardens belong to passed away unexpectedly last week.

He was a gift to this community and will be missed by many.  Those who've visited his home will know how much his gardens meant to him.  We spoke almost weekly about new plants he wanted, tasks that needed attention... I don't believe that he was a gardener so much in practice, but more in spirit.  After every vacation he took, I'd get an email like this "Talked to the head of Horticulture at the Grand Hotel, do you know her?  She's a MSU grad, too!  She thought some Brunnera 'Jack Frost' would look good under the weeping cherries to replace that poor looking Lily of the Valley"  As you can see from the photo above, they were right.

He was a kind soul.  He took interest in you- asked about the family, the business, your hobbies and vacations, and "Hey, how about those Spartans this year?"  My boys were on the same teams as his grandson; we've spent many a Saturday morning sitting side by side.  He was a true giver, from the heart and freely. 

As attested to at his service, Larry's legacy was Love.  He will be greatly missed.