Yesterday, I had a nice visit with my neighbor, Hetty . The nurse had her up in the wheelchair and wheeled her out in her backyard during my visit.

While we were outside enjoying the beautiful weather, we examined the various flowers and plants that she and Jack have been growing. They're both gardeners and take great pride in their efforts.

Right now, they have beautiful African daisies (orange and yellow) growing wild. Hetty shared with me that at one time their entire yard was covered in these daisies and that strangers used to drive by their house and take pictures of all the flowers.

Last September Hetty took some African Daisy seeds and scattered them around her yard. She watered the area once and then let it go. This Spring, the flowers have bloomed bright and beautiful.

Hetty explained to me that her African daisies will dry up and go to seed, not long after blooming. Some have already done this.

Hetty gave me a plastic container, the one she's used as a gardener year after year, and encouraged me to gather the dried up seeds of her African daisies in the hopes that we can grow some at our house. I managed to get quite a few seeds this afternoon.

This September, there's a good chance that Hetty will no longer be here with us on Earth. I'm keeping the seeds I've collected from her flowers and when the time is right, I'm going to scatter them throughout our front yard. I'll lightly water them and then pray that, come next Spring, I'll see new blooms.

I can't think of a better of way to honor Hetty than by sharing her love of African daisies. And each time I see these flowers, I'll keep the memories of Hetty near and dear.

Labels: friends, gardening, Hetty, neighbors