My Mother was a big influence on my path in life , her interests, enthusiasm and sheer joy has helped to mould the person I am.
I’m grateful to have my Mother still able to come and stay with us and enjoy the Autumn garden here at Jester House. Now 78, and waiting for a hip operation later in the month, she doesn’t really garden for herself anymore but still enjoys a perambulate around ours.
When I was growing up I remember her spending every free hour in her garden. I think that is where I got my love of gardening from and my idea of horticultural imperialism, pushing the frontiers of the garden back and back like a true imperialist. Going from nothing to be just as big and beautiful as you want it to be.
I’m also grateful to her for my love of cooking. Helping with dinner parties and then socializing with friends around the table is a very fond memory of my teenage years in Marsden Valley. I think it is the responsibility of every parent to teach their children to cook as part of independence training and I know our children appreciated having a repertoire of dishes they could cook when they left home. Of course I took it more seriously than most and went on to train as a chef, something my Mother encouraged.
She is only staying a few days before going home to Golden Bay again before Mother’s Day on Sunday so I’m grateful we are spending some time together this week.