Welcome to the Garden

There's a moment during every Evening Garden Session that I love.

The leash comes off.

Some dogs burst into a happy sprint. Others carefully lower their nose to the grass as if they're reading the morning paper. A few look back at their people for reassurance before deciding this place might just be worth exploring after all.

I don't hurry them.

This is their garden now.

For the next hour or so, I follow along.

Beneath the Ancient Plum Tree

I call her the Ancient Plum Tree.

Every winter, after the wind, ice, and freezing temperatures have had their turn, I find myself looking out the window hoping she's made it through another season. When the first tiny white blossoms appear in spring, I breathe a little easier.

By July, she's in her element.

Her branches stretch across the lawn, offering shade on warm evenings and a quiet place where dogs often choose to pause. I never lead them there. Somehow, they find her on their own.

She's the heart of the garden.

The First Fifteen Minutes

I don't photograph much during those first few minutes.

I'm watching.

Every dog explores a little differently. Some stay close. Some head straight across the lawn as though they've already been here before.

They always tell me when they're ready.

I just have to pay attention.

One More Thing

As I'm putting my gear away, I usually notice something I missed earlier.

This evening, it was this little helenium.

I wonder what I'll notice tomorrow.

Come Walk the Garden

Every month the garden looks a little different.

If you'd like to explore it with your dog, I'd love to show you around.

Explore Evening Garden Sessions here.

Enjoyed the walk?

Every month I share a new walk through the garden, along with behind-the-scenes stories, studio news, and first word on upcoming sessions in New Sniffs in the Garden.

I'd love to have you join us.

Join New Sniffs in the Garden