Herb of the Week for 30th March by Lynn
Kirkland
Red Puppy Appeal
There is no doubt as to the appeal of
a labrador puppy and today is the start
of Red Puppy Appeal, the new look campaign
to raise money for the Guide Dog Services.
Labradors are dear to me and many readers
will remember our lovely herb farm labrador,
Jasmine.
Jasmine lies at rest now in a special
garden created for her called “Jasmine’s
Garden”
Jaz’s life was shorter than normal as
she developed a tumour near her heart
and we had to put her to sleep when she
was only eight.
Now her lovely garden is a tranquil spot
to remember our “child in a fur coat”
and shows our visitors how a special memorial
garden can be created for a much loved
pet.
Consider plants with special meanings
when planning this kind of garden. Here
are the ones I chose when creating the
garden where our much loved pet is at
rest.
I used olive trees which are a symbol
of peace.
Rosemary is for remembrance and thyme
for courage.
A rose is for love. We were given the
pink, all summer flowering, Perfect Pet
by the neighbouring children. After the
flowers we enjoy the sight of are lovely
red rosehips on this easy care bush rose.
Lavender is for loyal friendship and what
a loyal friend a labrador makes.
And a herb that was chosen to be a reminder
of something special about Jaz was the
alpine strawberries. Jaz would gently
nuzzle into the plant and pluck the small
ripe strawberries-the yellow variety or
the red ones were enjoyed equally.
Of course we had to include the sweetly
scented climber Jasmine in the garden
and it is now growing beautifully over
the arbour built over the seat.
In the language of flowers white jasmine
means amiability and cheerfulness-perfect!
In support of Red Puppy Appeal we will
be collecting out at the herb farm this
weekend and we will donate the garden
fees we receive from visitors paying for
our garden walk, which of course includes
visiting Jasmine’s garden, to this very
worthy cause.
There is no government funding for this
service and it costs $22,500 to breed,
raise, train and match one of these puppies.
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