Recently, one of my beloved cats had to be put to sleep. Misty had been with us for 12 years, and as any pet owner knows, they become a huge part of the family and as such, we want to treat them with some dignity when they pass. Misty loved the garden. At the first sign of sunshine she'd be the first of the cats lined up at the door just itching to get out. She'd find a sunny spot and there she'd stay until her hungry stomach got the better of her!
It seemed fitting to place her ashes in the garden, but I also wanted to create a small space just for her. If you've seen my previous posts, you'll know my garden is fairly choc a bloc, and I was worried anywhere I placed her would become overgrown with plants in the summer. So I came up with the idea of using some raised beds I have on my patio as a memorial garden.
I wanted it to be a bright, happy space, and raided our local garden centre for the cheeriest plants !
It seemed fitting to place her ashes in the garden, but I also wanted to create a small space just for her. If you've seen my previous posts, you'll know my garden is fairly choc a bloc, and I was worried anywhere I placed her would become overgrown with plants in the summer. So I came up with the idea of using some raised beds I have on my patio as a memorial garden.
I wanted it to be a bright, happy space, and raided our local garden centre for the cheeriest plants !
I began by planting a beautiful Clematis called Niobe, which has stunning purple flowers and will hopefully smother the fence within a few years.
I planted the pretty Dahlia Happy at the back of the bed, although I remember now why I love Dahlias but don't usually plant any. This is the before photo:-
And this is the after, when those pesky slugs and snails have been on the attack! I've been picking them off by the bucketload, but it's a never ending battle and they seem to be winning. I think I will replace these with geraniums if the problem gets any worse.
Impatiens (Busy Lizzies to you and me) and baby Geraniums that I've grown from cuttings have been placed in front, along with the prettiest Nemesia. I appear to have missed the boat with Lobelia to drape over the edges as I couldn't find any in the garden centres, so I may well pop back and get some more Nemesia to soften the bed and fill in the gaps at the front. All in all though, I am pleased with it so far and think it will look really beautiful once the geraniums get going.
Rest in Peace my little Misty.
