Fifty Years

We just returned home to Aspen, Colorado from celebrating my husband’s Uncle Freddy and Aunt Janet’s 50th wedding anniversary in Tulsa. Warm congratulations to you both! Fifty years is a long time to be committed and a great accomplishment. Sweat and tears go hand-in-hand with joy and rewards of being in such a long-term commitment. In fact, there were many couples in attendance that have achieved marital maturity.

The day after our celebration, we joined Aunt Janet and Uncle Freddy at their newly purchased home parcel, where I could view their new property and help brainstorm landscape and garden ideas. As we began our long drive back to Aspen from Tulsa, I researched some of the plants that would be useful to them, and I pondered the length of time 50 years really is.

Gardens Change Over Time

Just as a relationship evolves into many shapes and forms over time, so does a landscape. It begins small, matures naturally and gradually; and then after such a long-term commitment, it may need to begin again. When I walk onto a property, I notice the elements of the landscape that are mature, such as the trees. However, when trees are nearing maturity, a plan for the future needs to be considered. To loose all trees at once would be a bare shame. So with several of my current properties, I am beginning to think of a gradual replacement plan for their many mature trees.

Within as little as eight years, a garden can evolve from being planted, to established, to maturity. And with proper care and guidance, it can continue to grow in the intended direction. Considering all of this, I feel lucky to be a Landscape Architect at a company where I have the support of both a construction crew and a maintenance crew. At the beginning of every season, I visit our gardens to ensure they are progressing as intended. Then together with our maintenance manager, we make any necessary planting adjustments. Our involvement keeps the gardens developing in the most aesthetic direction based on the original intentions for the space and the developing desires of each client. My work is fulfilling – I enjoy witnessing the ever-changing landscapes and partaking in gently guiding them into their maturity.