For years I have been collecting plants and shrubs that have the names of loved ones. Today I will make a family garden by putting all these together in one place.

I will start with the shrub Kalmia Latifolia, “Mountain LAUREL”— for me. Next, Hemerocallis. “ED Murray,” for my husband. The dark red, almost burgundy petals will make a nice contrast to my Kalmia’s pink blooms.

One would think that the dark orange Hemerocallis “JOSHUA Nathan Allen” that I purchased for my son would clash with the lavender Hemerocallis “DARLA Anita,” for his wife, but in nature, as in life, they suit each other very well.

“JAMES” Clark, another Hemerocallis, is a bold, strong red that suits Ed’s youngest son. For Ed’s oldest daughter, I’m planting “MELISSA” Lemon Balm, soft and fragrant.

I found Aster “Hella LACEY” for my youngest stepdaughter, pretty and petite. Its light purple flowers dance in the Fall breeze. Shortly after Lacey announced she was pregnant, I received Hemerocallis “Baby Pink” as a free bonus in a plant order. I planted these next to the asters.

Seven months later, beautiful Evelyn was born.

Finding a plant for Ed’s oldest son, Kristofer, has been more difficult. For now, he shall be represented by a bronze CHRYSanthemum.

My new garden will segue from sun to shade. In the shade, “JACK in the Pulpit” is perfect for sweet, shy, 5-year-old grandson Jack.

I was pleased to find for my mother, Dianthus “JAN LOUISE.” Alas, God took her home. She’ll never get to see the rose, pink with deep mahogany markings of the plant I bought to honor her.

Smith is my maiden name. “SMITH Brothers,” another Hemerocallis has a wonderful, near-black bloom with a green-gold throat that I purchased for both my garden and my brother’s garden.

Oh—did I forget to mention our four-legged family members, Roscoe and Bodhi (aka Stinky and Poopy)? I can’t omit them. My new flower bed would not be complete without a “Kousa DOGwood”—just as my life and home would not be complete without my dogs.
—By Laurel Radomski of Plover, WI.