how gardening changed our lives

By rose1949

28 comments

I would like to share our story with my new gardening friends.14 years ago after being told that he would end up in a whhelchair ( due to accidents at sea in the 80s) we took the heartbreaking decision to leave our home and moved in a very tiny rented house as my hubby had been told he would never work again.There was just room for my greenhouse (my pride and joy) and hubbys pond plus 1 small border. After 2years of living like this and hubby getting more depressed I was riding my bike past the allotments and without thinking went in and got one. It was the worst allotment i had ever seen .Grass 6foot high a greenhouse without any glass and a falling down shed but me being me could look past all this. My hubby thought i had lost the plot! But after i persuaded him that it would be good for both of us as inspite of his disabilities he could do alot on a good day he relunctantly decided to look at it. The minute he saw it the ideas and enthusiasim came back.I took pictures of him stood next to the plot which was higher than him.We absolutely loved it and did it gradually by digging 6foot squares and then planting it up. Hubby was asked to join the comittee and during this time noticed our now home.It had been empty over 3years.It was bequeathed to the council and made a listed building and because the only access was through allotment gates noone seemed interested.To cut a long story short we applied and 6months later moved in.This was a dream come true,a detached cottage with a large garden and allotments next door.It was a blank canvas.It had been a farmhouse in the 1800s and when it became a council house had only had 1 family living in it for 36 years until he died. The house and garden had not been touched in all that time.This gave my hubby a new lease of life.We started landscaping from scratch . Hubby did as much as he could when he could .I did most of the gardening.We changed the lawn which covered all the main part of the garden,built compost ares . Friends helped with the greenhouse and pond.We were on our way. 12 years later we now have a beautiful garden , an old large gazebo made into a stooreroom plus a 40foot train room built from pallets which used to get dropped off at the allotment.I now have 3 greenhouses ,1 on the allotment aquired very cheaply and another from an allotment holder.During the 12years I developed and recovered from breast cancer and hubby got a new specialist who gave him 2new hips plus injections in his knees every 12weeks Eventually he will deteriate but this home and garden has given a reason for getting out of bed in a morning. I hope you are all still awake after this extreemly long blog

19 Apr, 2011
13 likes

Comments

Andrea

Well done on your positive outlook on life...it`s so easy to give up sometimes, and nothing drives you on more than a project to work on. It would be lovely to see some photos.

19 Apr, 2011

Joanella

well done to both of you, after all your ups & downs, you have done something good to take your minds off things..i know how much hard work goes into allotments (we have 2 plots ) & its not easy keeping on top of it..i am glad your hubby is involved with it but it must be hard for him..what are you growing this year on your plot ? i agree it would be nice to see some pics.Welcome to GoY by the way.

19 Apr, 2011

Marshmallow

What a lovely story. It's quite inspiring. I'm sure gardening and growing things can have a powerful effect on us.

19 Apr, 2011

Stickitoffee

welcome to GoY ~ you both have my absolute admiration and thank you for telling your story ~ it is certainly inspirational as marshmallow says
all the best for the future ~ its amazing what a project that you can get stuck into can do ~ we all feel so much better for making a difference somewhere ~ allotment, garden, house, greenhouse or wherever.

19 Apr, 2011

Lily2

What a wonderful and inspirational story, how glad you must be that you didn't give up. I'm amazed at how much you've taken on and achieved, surely more than many fit and healthy people can do. It would be lovely to see photos of both your current garden and any showing how you progressed with it over the years. :o)

19 Apr, 2011

Ginellie

Oh I'm certainly still awake Rose, what a lovely story. Like the others I would love to see some pics when you have time - but with all that work I guess you don't have much of that.

19 Apr, 2011

Anndavies

what an inspiring story you are both so strong best wishes for the future

19 Apr, 2011

Michaella

Amazing! Heartfelt! Awe-inspiring! Lots of HOPE! I am encouraged! Thank you both and well done! May you both enjoy your home, garden and allotment for years to come! Bless you both! Regards Michaella :)))

19 Apr, 2011

Mariek

Well done Rose - it's amazing how therapeutic gardening can be isn't ? It takes your mind off all the bad things that are going on and because you can physically see some progress by your work on it your spirits are lifted.

My very best wishes to you and your husband in the future and Happy Gardening.

19 Apr, 2011

Ladybug47

i would love to see your garden pictures and welcome to goy,i want to say more but cannot think of the words ,inspireing,christine

19 Apr, 2011

Nariz

That's fantastic! I LOVE to hear about people who triumph over diversity and you two have done that in buckets!! I hope you both continue to enjoy the fruits of your incredible labours and please post some photos! :o))

20 Apr, 2011

Terratoonie

That's such a wonderful story....
I'm so pleased for you...
You've obviously put in lots of work which has been well rewarded... many more years of health and happiness to you both ... :o)

20 Apr, 2011

Oliveoil

Brilliant recovery story. Glad the gardening is being so therapeutic for both of you. I find gardening restful, whilst I am doing it, painful afterwards but all worthwhile. It is a very good hobby to have and seeing the results makes it all worthwhile. Good story, glad you are both feeling much happier and are coping with everything life is throwing at you. Good luck hope to see more of you both on here and please please please put some pictures on when you have the time. Love before and after pictures. - Happy Gardening, planning and planting.

20 Apr, 2011

Coshad

MY ADMIRATION. People like you deserve the highest honours.

20 Apr, 2011

Nariz

PS: a correction: I meant to say 'triumph over ADversity' not DIversity. Duuuuur!

20 Apr, 2011

Terratoonie

Hi Rose ..
I've seen your new blog.... you can put comments here too if you wish...
just key the words into the white box below and scroll down to click on "add comment"...
I hope this helps ...

20 Apr, 2011

Cinderella

Fantastic acheivement. I think when you are in the garden all else, our other little problems, or even big ones, all pale into insignificance, and don't seem so important after all. How lovely that you have overcome so much and are now happy. My bes wishes to you both. Look forward to seeing some pictures.

20 Apr, 2011

Pamg

very brave and determined couple, I'm so pleased that the magic of a garden worked for you both xxx

20 Apr, 2011

Whistonlass

You have both faced up to situations that for many would be a very soul-destroying experience. You've both done so much to turn your lives into happy and rewarding days. That first look at your allotment was certainly the beginning of a whole new life for you. I am pleased your hubby could share in your enthusiasm once he saw the overgrown allotment plot.

You've made a dream a reality and with plenty of very hard hours of work. Your new home at the allotment site seems "reserved" for just you two...long may you continue to enjoy your garden and your home...and your life together. You are obviously a great team :)

And....welcome to GoY too :)

20 Apr, 2011

Sewingkilla

Welcome from me too, an inspiring story just shows how nature and gardening help us all, look forward to some photos when you get your new camera!!

20 Apr, 2011

Stroller

It is so inspiring to hear of such dedication and determination and wonderful to hear that you have a home that you both obviously deserve.
It was my grandma who got me into gardening and she always said that it was odds on that gardeners had long lives because they had so much to look forward to every season, so sending my best wishes to you and your hubby for many prosperous years to come.

20 Apr, 2011

Lauram

What a wonderful story. I am so happy that you've been able to triumph in spite of all the hardships you've gone through. And it's inspiring to all of us. I will remember this blog every time I'm tempted to whine. Can't wait to see photos!

21 Apr, 2011

Constancespry

Wonderful story - inspirational too! Happy gardening!

22 Apr, 2011

Helenium

Welcome to goy, what an absolutely brilliant story! So glad your Hubby got all his treatments and has a new lease of life, well done to you both, Happy Gardening!

28 Apr, 2011

Rose1949

I have just read the comments from you all again and not sure if you will see this ,but joining goy has also added to my enjoyment of gardening. Thanks once again.

16 May, 2011

Oliveoil

Glad you are with us Rose, it does enhance our gardening efforts being on this site, I love it too.

16 May, 2011

Whistonlass

It's great that you have found GoY, Rose....your story is such a lovely tale and like you, I'm happy to be part of the GoY "family" too :)

16 May, 2011

Helenium

Me too! It's a great help, but by far its best attribute, has to be the people, they're a FAB bunch!

16 May, 2011

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