This amazing idea came from Garrett’s Garden Centre. For at least 10 years they have had an old pair of garden shoes sitting under a bench, filled with Hens and Chicks. Upon first notice, I was in love.

While working on my garden this year I came across my husband’s old wooden clogs in the shed. Once upon a time when we worked on a dairy farm he wore them most days in the summer. He liked them so much better than big Canadian black rubber boots. I kindly asked him if I could plant in them, and with a little sigh he gave them to me. We drilled a couple of holes in the bottom and filled them up with hens and chicks. A little sun, occasional watering, a bit of fertilizer and perfection. I’m in love.

I look at them every day and am reminded of a quieter, seasonal time in our lives. This coming week I will move them from my back patio to my front step with my mums and my pumpkins. Then all too soon I will tuck them up close to the house cover them in a mound of leaves and put a pot over them for the winter.

Then I will wait for spring and love once again.

Marilyn.

Photography by Jennifer Klementti