The Garden Strikes Back: From Total Destruction to Fresh Blooms

When I left Texas for Connecticut nearly two years ago, I left behind a glorious garden. And I mean GLORIOUS. We're talking a full spread of herbs (yes, even tarragon), cut flowers that could make a florist weep, thriving perennials, native pollinators galore, and rows of homegrown goodness—corn, potatoes, squash, beans, lettuce, Swiss chard… It was a dream.

Then I came home.

What I found wasn’t my dreamy backyard oasis—it was a full-blown garden crime scene. Despite the fence still standing tall, a tenant’s dog had apparently taken up a side hustle as a professional landscaper/demolition expert. The raised beds? Torn to pieces. My flower vases? Smashed. Perennials? Trampled. It looked like a botanical battlefield, and I was heartbroken.

But here’s the thing about gardeners—we’re persistent, and a little unhinged when it comes to our plants. Thanks to the years of deep soil work I’d done before leaving (shoutout to compost, Austin's worm castings and accidental cover cropping), my garden wasn't totally gone. With a lot of elbow grease, some serious weeding therapy, and a little help from my friends (and a lot of work from my hubby), I’ve replanted—and, magically, many of my native plants have popped back up like old friends who never really left.

🌿 The Farmstand is coming back to life—fresh flowers, fragrant herbs, and seasonal veggies are just around the corner. I’m excited (and slightly shocked) to see what thrives this year… and don’t worry, the dog has moved out.

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misadventures.

Because if this garden can bounce back—so can we all. 🌱