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Happy New Year

  • Writer: JRG
    JRG
  • Jan 17
  • 2 min read

Twenty-twenty-five reduced our clan in number, but we leaned in and absorbed the hurt caused by the two hateful “d” words (death and divorce.) I, being the family’s Organizer in Chief, demanded holiday togetherness and pushed relentless activity for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My siblings long ago realized the futility of resistance when they hear me say, “I have a plan.”   


Morikami Japanese Garden, Delray Beach, Florida: In June, we found comfort and a place for prayer when visiting Matthew’s favorite garden with friend Bruce. 



Thanksgiving at Cheekwood with Laura Dowling Decorations


Christmas at Keswick: Taking comfort and strength from each other, our year ended with the joy of having the U.S. family together for Christmas Eve, and the added blessings of video chats with French “cousins et cousines,” the incandescence of “comet Daelin” who streaked through Keswick, and Tyler who sat a while and warmed us all with his creative spirit. 


James River Gardens: And with hope we begin a new year.  The garden, neat and tidy, is resting. Fall-planted bulbs and plugs hold crowded promise for a colorful spring of blue, orange and pink. On advice, we have tilled grit into the beds to combat relentless bulb-rot. 


Forcing Kingsblood Tulips, Rose Garden Sketches, and a Winter Surprise at JRG: With the help of Chat GPT, Kingsblood tulips are on a tight forcing schedule to bloom for Historic Garden Week 2026. We are to take the pots from the barn and into the sunlight in late March. I hope the tulips will take a cue from my siblings and not resist the plan.




Friends Sent Words of Love and Encouragement: With loving memories of MPMF (1995- 2025); KAB (1943 -2025); JPS (1944- 2025) we wish you and your garden all the best for the New Year.


 
 
 
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