The end of October in the North marks an important turning point in the year, for nature and people alike. It’s a time of transition between the colourful autumn that dazzles us and the harsh winter that approaches, bringing significant changes to our everyday lives and our outdoor environment. For me, the end of the gardening season is now closely linked to the memory of my father. It was at this time of year, on 26 October 2022, that Larry Hodgson passed away.
The Cycle of Seasons and Remembrance
Nature itself seems to embody this transformation, marking the passing of the seasons with the same solemnity as the memory of those who have left us. The trees are stripped bare for the winter: the maples, birches and other deciduous trees, which were still displaying their magnificent colours at the start of the month, are gradually stripped bare, giving way to a more austere landscape. Is this why we celebrate All Saints’ Day, el Día de Muertos and Halloween at this time of year?
The transition, where nature prepares for winter, reminds me of the way my father always prepared his gardens for the cold season, doing very little in fact and letting nature take its course. He refused to pick up the leaves so that they could decompose and nourish the soil, enriching the life of the soil and, as a result, that of the trees themselves. Just as plants go into dormancy, he knew that preparing for winter allowed life to resume in spring. Perennials die on the surface, their foliage forming a mulch that protects the roots from the jolts of winter, allowing them to conserve the energy they need to be reborn in spring. This natural cycle illustrates how nature, and life itself, are processes of renewal, transition and adaptation.
A Time for Reflection and Enjoyment
As the days rapidly shorten, the lack of light begins to make itself felt. What’s more, the anticipation of the harsh conditions of winter creates a certain amount of anxiety for those who don’t enjoy the cold or the snow. On the other hand, for many, this period is an opportunity to prepare themselves mentally to enjoy the pleasures of winter, such as snow sports, evenings by the fireside and the winter festivities that are just around the corner. For me, this period is marked by melancholy, but also by admiration for the man was my father. As nature prepares to hibernate, I take time to celebrate his influence and the way in which he helped to shape the person I am. He taught me by example the importance of respecting the rhythms of nature and finding beauty in every season, including the one when withered plants will soon contrast with glistening snow.
The Rest and Evolution of the Laidback Gardener
A bit like nature, my father went gently into that good night, on this day two years ago. His ideas and writings are also on the quiet as we prepare to brave the winter: the garden takes up less space in our lives. It’s the natural cycle of things. And yet the wealth he left behind, in his books and writings, will still be available in the spring, when nature and people emerge from their rest, ready to embark on a new gardening season. Like the adventure of Le Laidback Gardener, which continues to grow and evolve from year to year, a dedicated team continues its mission of making gardening more accessible to the general public. They strive to encourage gardeners of all levels to cultivate simplicity, respecting nature’s cycles and enjoying every step of the process. Larry’s relaxed approach, accessible to all, lives on through his writings, his guidance, the community he has inspired and all gardeners at heart.
Beautiful reflection on the season and on your father’s philosophy
Your father left a legacy of love – both of gardening and family. Your tribute to him was a joy to read, but so sad because he died too early. My mother, Eleanor, died on October 27 many years ago, and I light a candle every year to remember her beautiful life. I think it is a wonderful tradition for all.
Your father had a big influence on my gardening style, for which I am very grateful.
It was at this time of year, on 26 October 2022, that Larry Hodgson passed away.
Although I know neither you nor your dad, your essay moved me. Thank you. I am an 83 year old gardener here in Aurora Ontario. I enjoy the gentle tug of the nostalgia and thoughtfulness of the season.
Now I still have bulbs to plant! Au travail!
Blair
A lovely tribute Mathieu. I have great memories of spending time with Larry on many garden romps. Nobody could match his energy or his knowledge. My heart goes out to you.
There are many people, I’m sure, who are so glad that you took up the task of continuing these snippets on gardening methods and tips on pest control, soil amendment, and so on. A newsletter i look forward to every week!
I actually met your father while working for the ecological and environmental group in Stoneham and we relished the informative talks he would give to our gardening groups. Many thanks!
A beautiful essay on the significant contributions your father mad to the gardening world and to yourself. Time tends to heal the grief leaving behind the wonderful memories allowing the person to live on.
What a lovely essay! My late father, too, was a “laidback gardener,” and like you, I often am reminded of him and the legacy he left as I work in my own garden. How fortunate we are!
My thoughts are with you today Mathieu, your father left a legacy of happily laidback gardeners and you do him proud in your own work and guiding us in our gardens in the future.