Restoration of the Mystery Garden
From Zelpha A. Boyd
I’ve restored several gardens over the years, so this new project is not foreign to me. Moving into a new-to-me home requires changing and/or making over what is there, to what I want it to be.
The Children’s Memorial Garden is no different. This special garden was established by The Compassionate Friends years ago. What happened to these people, and why the Garden was abandoned, is certainly a mystery.
Facing what looks like an impossible task, friend Patrick and I are slowly cutting down weeds, tree suckers, and removing rocks. There is an abundance of quack grass, bind weed and thistles. It’s going to be a long project, to say the least.
But, working there last week we found treasure. Iris, Daylilies and rose bushes. The next day we discovered a Peony, Shasta Daisies and a Maltese Cross. Liberating them from the weeds was certainly a pleasure. What treasures will we find next?
As of this writing, we’ve not learned any more about the Garden. There are no dates on the plaque where many children’s names are listed. Who are they? Why did so many die at early ages? What happened to those Compassionate Friends who established the Garden? Perhaps some moved away, others were called to other projects, some passed on, etc., etc.
It’s still a Mystery Garden, and with help and persistence, we’ll bring the Garden back to life, restored to its original beauty. Any help or information about the Garden would be appreciated.
Patrick O’Neil
patrickoneil0885@gmail.com
Zelpha A. Boyd
zbritr@bresnan.net
Thank you! •