Inspiration #2: Mom and Dad

Here we are around 1966 I reckon. Mom and Dad have always encouraged me to do just about anything I wanted...within reason. One summer I got it into my head that I wanted to have a garden, perhaps after visiting Reed. I asked if I could turn this weedy rectangle out back into a garden. They said, "sure!" The goal was to turn over about 200 square feet. Pretty small bit, really. I worked and worked and only got blisters to show for it. But it was my first attempt and one thing gardeners know is that you learn from every failure. So thanks, Mom and Dad, for giving me the go ahead way back when. It was another significant moment on my journey toward my current obsession with plants.

Inspiration #1: Reed Franklin

K. Reeder Franklin, a photo by Pike-uliar Gardenings on Flickr.

This weekend, I attended a memorial service for my cousin, Reed Franklin. Reed passed away this past Fall and I miss him deeply. Reed inspired me in so many ways, but I will focus on only one here. I looked up to Reed a great deal and one Summer, he worked at Sweet Briar College's Greenhouse. His boss was Sally Boley, a very kind soul. Watching Reed's intent interest and concern for growing things had a profound impact on me. I think my interest in plants began then and, like many things inspired by Reed, it has stayed with me my whole life and has been a source of constant enrichment. Without Reed, I would not be who I am today. Thank you so much, Reed.