Pond and Brook Creation

A garden, like all of Nature, including human beings, is never finished, unpredictable, dichotomous and forever mysterious. For those of us who speak its language, the fascination never ends.

Pergola in June 2013

 The Garden of Nemesis began as a vague idea that gradually gained clarity as we sat within it. First came the pond, which my sweetheart bought on a whim that first summer, 2001. I almost freaked out because we were faced with two filthy, run-down condemned houses and a weedy lot next door. We were working six days a week, fourteen+ hours a day. I was too exhausted to imagine. He wasn’t. He wanted a place to dip our toes and further imagine.

Pond Area 2003

 So he dug the hole on Sunday, his one day off. We threw up a canopy for shade and bought some lawn chairs. He didn’t stop there, oh no. In 2003, he imagined a miniature, winding brook tumbling water. I have to say, I imagined the pergola and a swing and the old fashioned pump. Together we imagined our little oasis in the concrete desert of a small city.

Brook Creation 2003 

 Pump Base 2003

Pump and Bridge 2012

I complained after pushing the wheelbarrow around the brook structure, thus the “Troll Bridge,” which is the enthrallment of every child, big and small.

The Garden of Nemesis began as a vague idea but now feeds our bodies and lifts our spirits. Winter will come around again and we’ll have only the memories of our conversations under the shelter of the pergola by the pond.