Backyard Beauty
I’ve recently returned from my trip east to visit family and help mom get her yard in shape. I love tending the gardens for her as a way to ground myself, find beauty, and restore her gardens for mom and others to enjoy. I inherited my love of flowers, gardens, and nature from mom and am so grateful that I can continue to tend her gardens. I know they bring her much joy and satisfaction.
The overall visit was a good one filled with a nice mix of work, visiting, cooking, and getting mom out of the house. She thanked me profusely while I explained that I benefit too by feeling useful and grounding myself in nature’s beauty.
Her health has been on a slow slide for years now, but somehow she manages to keep pushing through the pain, lack of sleep, and various challenges to remain in her home. Thankfully, my brother has moved closer and has stepped up to be more available and helpful. Maybe mom will get her wish to stay in her home. Or maybe I’ll take the plunge and move back to the DC area, finding a creative way to live and survive the booming real estate market.
Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy these photos of her yard.
May beauty touch your soul.
blessings, Brad
writing to freedom 
Gorgeous garden 😍
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Thanks Ribana. We’ve co-created it over the years.
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Awesome 👏
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Thank you for sharing your love Ashok. Are you still blogging?
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Oh yes – am blogging regularly
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Wonderful. Thanks for spreading your message of love and oneness. 🙏
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It is my pleasure my friend. Thank you so much for your support
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What a lovely yard. Beautiful trees. How nice you are able to help out your mom. Do you have those violets that bloom in winter? Would be great to have some flower pots or hanging baskets. I don’t have a yard, unfortunately, but I fill my tiny balcony with petunias, violets, hanging baskets so it’s a miniature paradise ☺
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Yes, Wendy, she has a few hanging baskets for color in the summer. Her mobility is poor so she can’t do any maintenance in the yard anymore. I’m glad you’ve created a mini paradise for yourself. 🌺
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How lovely! Nature is the best healer and source of love and inspiration I think 🌸💖
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Agreed. 🌍
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Sounds like you had a good visit with your Mother and I am quite sure she loved it and really appreiciated your doing the garden work. The only regret I have about my Mother who died aged 94 four years ago is that she did have to move into a nursing home. Fortunately it was a very good one and the gardens were beautiful….Gardening having been her real love in l life. We do the best we can given the circumstances that prevail. Janet :)X
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Yes, it was a wonderful and heartfelt visit Janet. It’s hard to leave knowing how much she struggles on her own, yet she’s not ready to sell the house or let me move in! I’m glad your mom had some gardens at the nursing home. Yes, we do the best we can. Thank you for caring and understanding.
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:)X
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Filial piety and pictorial beauty on display here. Good work, Brad. Hope your mom thrives in the freshened space.
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Thanks Greg. It feels good to help, and I worry about her health and mobility.
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love the garden brad and love that you had a balancing trip ❤ sounds like it was very enriching on many levels. it will be interesting to see where you are guided. i hope your mom is able to stay where she is as it sounds very supportive for her, but i'm sure the highest good will reveal itself all around. love you!
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Yes, it was a wonderful and balancing visit Tania. Mom hopes to stay in her home. We’ll see how it unfolds. ❤
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Brad, you are a wonderful son. I love the pictures.
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Thank you Robbie. Spoken like a loving mother! 🙏
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This is gorgeous, Brad. You’re a real gardener. Hope your mom enjoys it.
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Thank you Bojanna. Yes, she does. Mom did the original designs years ago and I’ve simply tweaked and maintained them.
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Your mom must have loved your visit, Brad. Having her garden cleaned up is probably a joy, but I’ll bet she simply enjoyed having you there. Our approach to our elderly parents is so important. When we’re there with love, simply enjoying ourselves, I know they can feel it. What a lovely gift. ❤
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Yes, Diana, mom and I both loved our visit. I know you understand with all you’re doing for your parents. Absolutely yes, our loving presence is the best gift. hugs to you and yours. ❤
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❤
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I’ve missed being here, Brad! So nice to visit your site and see you’ve returned from you trip. I think the last I was here you were on your way over. Her garden looks lovely, and I’m sure she loved your company! You are a nice fellow to have around, and especially so for your mum, I’m sure! I’m not from England but I’ve taken to saying “mum” lately. Looking forward to catching up on more of your posts! I always feel a nice, warm peace when I visit. I hope you have a lot of beauty in your day, too!
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Thank you Ka. I’m always happy to have you visit. Mum and I had a nice visit. 🙂 I’m still catching up with other blogs too. take care
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What a peaceful oasis. Good to hear you had a delightful trip, Brad.
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Thank you Julie.
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What a lovely, peaceful garden. You did a great job for your mom and she must have been delighted to have you with her. I know you sometimes find it hard being so far away.
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Thank you Cynthia. Mom has a wonderful yard; she designed them and did the hard work. I’m simply maintaining it for her whenever I visit. Yes, it’s very hard to be far away. Especially as her health declines, I want to be closer to help.
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I know.
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I hope you share more photos and reflections about your recent visit with your mom. I loved seeing the peaceful garden areas — complete with stone hearts — and learning a little bit about your family.
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Thank you Will. I’m grateful for my mother, our good relationship. and being able to help her.
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Such a beautiful and wonderful garden your mother has, Brad. So nice of you to visit her though she does not want anyone to be with her. Take care and stay safe.
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Thank you Kamal. It was a good visit. Yes she has a beautiful yard and gardens and I’m happy to help maintain them. blessings…
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You are always welcome dear Brad and yes such a beautiful garden. Love and light to you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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The garden is delightful, Brad. Thanks for sharing it with us. I’ve no doubt that your mom is grateful for your help. Hugs on the wing.
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Thanks Teagan. Yes, mom is grateful and enjoying her revived gardens. Hugs!
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Such a gift that you spent time with her and the garden. Beautiful photos. I am very far from where my parents are and it could be long until I can be with them physically. Your post gives me great comfort.
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I’m sorry you’re far away from your parents, and glad you found some comfort in my post. take care Pragalbha.
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Love the pictures Bard and sounds like a rejuvenating and loving time!! Thanks for sharing!
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Yes, it was a nice visit. Thanks for joining Kirt.
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I just saw spell check changed your name to Bard…so sorry….I obviously don’t proof read thoroughly enough. 🙂
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Actually I like the idea of being a Bard, kind of like a muse. 😊
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Wonderful you were able to help your Mom in her garden, and a delightful space it is too Brad…. Love the Stork ..And that you visit when you are able… Not so easy when so far apart…. But I bet its comforting to know your brother is closer at hand…
Sending Love and well wishes Brad… and thank you for sharing beauty.. ❤
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My pleasure Sue. Yes, I’m happy to help and grateful that my brother is helping more now too. Thank you.
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I am sure its a great relief.. ❤
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What a good son you are! I’m sure your mom misses you already but is enjoying the zen of a garden put in order.
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Yes, we miss each other and she’s been enjoying the gardens.
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Hello my friend, what a beautiful and sweet garden your mum has, and your kindness touches my heart. Your mum is lucky to have you! Big hugs, and have a beautiful week:)
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Thank you for the kind words Maria. I’m happy to help mom and leave a bit of myself and beauty behind for her to enjoy in my absence, Plus I lotinkering in gardens. Vaya con dios… 😍
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That´s so lovely to hear Brad, good on you! Ah and cheers for the Spanish saludo, yay! Vaya con dios amigo 🙂 ❤️
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Grazie! 🙂
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❤️ 🙂 De nada
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The yard looks comfortable and well cared for. I know your mother appreciates you very much.
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Thanks for understanding JoAnna.
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Time to have my own garden in my backyard.. 😊
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Me too! I hope you create one.
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A beautiful yard Brad, I know how great it feels to help keep your mums garden going! My mum too keeps herself going at home, having to have help in the garden and home though now. Unfortunately I’ve not been able to go back this year with all the restrictions. Who knows what decisions are to be made to help them more. Lots of love Barbara x❤️
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Thanks for understanding Barbara. I hope you can go visit and help your mum. It was very good for both of us to visit during this time.
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Nice
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Thanks Shahriar and welcome.
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Your mum has a very gorgeous yard, Brad. Very well tended to. Hope your mum takes it easy. Guessing you enjoyed home cooked food again 🙂
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Thanks Mabel. Yes she has a lovely yard from years of planning and tending. I do enjoy my mom’s cooking, but I did almost all of the cooking while I was there as a treat for her.
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What a serene spot. Gardening sure does have a therapeutic ring to it!
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Thank you Megan. Gardening and time in nature soothes me.
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Love that! I’m a mental health clinician and a lot of people find gardening so helpful
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Wonderful!
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Great blog! Follow me!
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Thanks and welcome!
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Thanks for your awesome content! Keep it up.
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You’re welcome. Hope your new year is filled with love and cheer.
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Awesome! Keep it up!
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Thank you!
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