Before I left for a trip, I walked around my garden, coffee in hand. The ornamental almond was just starting to bud. I looked at the tree fondly. The flowers have been late to arrive this year.
I stopped a moment and took a picture.
And then another
And one more … I felt like a new mother, inspecting every nub, like counting toes on newborn feet.
I thought by the time I returned from my trip today, the tree would be frosted as it does every year. I was so wrong.
When I was away a storm came through the area. It destroyed my fence. The giant Tahitian lemon tree, the mulberry tree and the ornamental almond tree bore the brunt of fierce winds. The honeysuckle vine is shredded. I came home to wreckage. In a week my landscaping plans have been brought forward by a year. To say I am saddened to lose what has been familiar for the last three years, is an understatement. The garden, planted by others, grew on me. What is sadder to watch is the birds. They fly around confused, nothing is where it used to be.
Perhaps the buds photographed before I left were a premonition. New life awaits. I can do nothing else, but embrace this thought. I will create a new eden.
Until next time
As always
a dawn bird
A Shared Space 
So sorry to hear this! I can only imagine how upset you must feel. So much joy comes from our landscape. Is there any hope it will grow back after a trim?
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Thank you Eliza. I felt, and feel, such a sense of loss. I’ve got a landscaper coming in to give me some advice. Hopefully we can work with what’s left behind. I’m off to Narrogin today and look forward to being among wildflowers again!
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I’m sorry for your loss, dawn bird. It is funny how our gardens grow on us. I remember when I moved into my home over 20 years ago, I wanted to get rid of the gum tree on the nature strip. Now I defend it, even when it loses limbs in high winds. It is very hard when you lose shade trees. Hopefully the birds will visit again.
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Thank you. My thoughtful son pulled all the curtains shut so I didn’t walk into the home and see the devastation outdoors immediately. Yes, it will grow back and I’m looking forward to new plans for the space too.
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