When writing columns, I usually have a purpose in mind. Being a former horticulture teacher, the purpose is usually educational in nature. Sometimes I try to be informative or inspirational, and occasionally I go out on a limb and try to be funny. Today, the column is purely a series of reflections.
For gardeners, July can be a time for us to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The busyness of the spring has subsided. We can sit back, drink a cold beverage, and look at the gorgeousness of our yard and perhaps those of our neighbors. It is often in those quiet times that our mind wanders to summers of the past, people of the past and perhaps plants of the past.
In January, my grandfather, Elmer Calvin Britton, Jr. passed away. He was my everything. He was the person who guided me through a difficult childhood with love and compassion. Elmer is forever linked in my mind with this community. While growing up the conversations would often include references to Clanyard Farms which was located in what is now called Neighborhoods 36 and 37. Elmer lived and worked on this farm, which was owned by Mr. William McCredie, during the 1950s. My grandparents’ home was near the corner of Clanyard Road and Countrview Boulevard. The evergreen trees he planted are still standing.
When thinking of my grandfather and the lessons passed on through gardening, I often remember the days we spent planting vegetables. He never let me or my children take any shortcuts. The seeds had to be planted in a straight row, at the exact right depth and spacing. The garden needed to be watered consistently and any weeds must be dealt with daily. Harvesting also needed to be done correctly. If you waited too late, the tomatoes might rot or the zucchini would get to big. If you harvested vegetables too early the green peppers or eggplant would be too small.
Although he was a business owner during my lifetime, the farmer in him had many important lessons to impart. He taught me the importance of rainwater and its value in watering annual flowers. Marigolds and geraniums were always planted in front of house to add color during the summer. His home was properly landscaped for the time to include evergreen shrubs, shade and fruit trees, colorful flowers and of course he had to leave room for the horseshoe court.
Grandpa was a man of few words, but of many actions. He worked 6 1/2 days a week each and every week. His strong work ethic and appreciation of others will forever be instilled in me. He grew up in Elgin, relished the time he spent living in Huntley, and enjoyed retirement in Marengo. All of his life was centered around Kane and McHenry Counties. His life was also centered around family. My mom would often say that Grandpa would be happiest if we all lived together in the same house. Although that didn’t happen, my mom and I both purchased homes only a few miles from his. Many great family memories have been created in the flower filled yards of family members.
In his later years, when his health started to decline, Sunday afternoons were often spent riding in a car. The beautiful scenery of our countryside brought him so much pleasure. The seeds that he had sown through hard work, dedication to family and appreciation of nature were reaped in those last days.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or tgsinc12@msn.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
