My grandmother's house and garden has always been a welcomed retreat for me. Be it an overnight visit as a child or a relaxing escape from the college workload. As always, when heading seaside for the 4th of July holiday, the trip is not complete without wandering through her garden. This time I came with camera in hand!

My grandmother's garden has grown and changed a lot through the years, but one thing still remains the same. On any given day, you'll find my grandmother out working in the garden. It's her passion and gift, and she's dedicated to make sure it's always looking it's best. I've seen her spend hours cleaning fallen petals from her tulip tree, proudly telling me of her all her hard work, only to say she'll be right back out there tomorrow doing the exact same thing when the rest fall. (These statements make me feel quite guilty whenever I complain about weeding my small city garden!) I've seen her on her hands and knees, picking through the flowers and mulch for weeds with something that didn't look much like a gardening tool. She told me she thinks it's used for grilling, but works perfectly for the delicate areas when gardening. And then there was the time she peeked into a garbage bag she thought was loaded with yard debris, only to discover it was a bag full of the dried pine needles she uses as mulch. The way her face lit up, you would have thought she just discovered a bag of gold!

Fortunately, her efforts do not go unappreciated. On more than one occasion, a random tourist or passerby has stopped to gaze in awe, or seen her working and asked if she wouldn't mind giving a tour. And there's a lot to take in too. There's an herb garden and potting shed; a fountain and statues galore. And let's not forget my grandfather's koi pond, complete with waterfall and bridge.

So, for everyone reading this, it's my pleasure to give you a tour into one of my most cherished escapes!

Images: Kimberly Watson