Article published October 21, 2009
Pink garden supports fight against breast cancer
Jackie Riley, left, and Barb Northrup in Linda’s Blooms: The Linda Besendorfer Cancer Memorial Garden at Toledo Botanical Garden.
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THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT
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Beautiful pink peonies, hot-pink day lilies, and big pink hibiscus blossoms - they aren't just flowers, they signify a fight for life. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and the pink color of the breast cancer fight has inspired local gardeners to dig up some healing support. Barb Northrup, information associate for the Ohio State University Extension office and a small army of Master Gardeners and other volunteers have built a pink memorial garden at Toledo Botanical Garden.
"It is named after one of our Master Gardener volunteers, Linda Besendorfer," says Ms. Northrup. "Linda was diagnosed around four years ago, had a second occurrence two years ago, and passed away on Oct. 6, 2008. She had a dynamic smile and a positive attitude. Even when she heard she had to go in for more treatments, she said it's no big deal ... it could be worse."Planting pink
The pink garden is between two rain gardens at Toledo Botanical Garden. Ms. Northrup says the Linda's Blooms plot is about 150 square feet. "I have always wanted to build a pink garden. Linda's family called me last year about the same idea and I knew it was time. Believe it or not, we actually started peeling away the sod on July 15, and held the dedication ceremony on July 20 this past summer."
"The majority of plants were picked because of their color," Ms. Northrup says. "We have planted a variegated Rose of Sharon to create a background hedge, Joe Pye weed, coral bells, peonies, yarrow, spirea, daylily, viburnum, hibiscus, micanthus, columbine. In addition we have a pink granite landscape rock and pink quartz, which represents healing."
"The Lucas County Master Gardener Volunteer Program dedicates this spot to the memory of all victims who fought valiantly, hope and strength for those engaged in battle, and celebration for those who survive," Ms. Northrup says,Her fight too
Ms. Northrup has her own story about how breast cancer has invaded her life. "My mother died of breast cancer at the age of 38, so when I turned 38 I figured I'd beat the odds. However, I was diagnosed at 42 and all I knew was that women died of breast cancer." That was in 1993. Ms. Northrup aggressively fought her cancer at the Cleveland Clinic and doctors have given her a clear prognosis."During the dedication I reflected on the spirits that had been working alongside me in that garden. My mom, OSU extension educator Amy Stone's mom, who passed away from ovarian cancer, and Linda were on my mind. I felt their presence that day, and continue to do so today. A few of our Master Gardeners are survivors, including Jackie Riley, who was part of the committee working on this project. Other volunteers who assisted in this project were Deb Kramer, Nancy Keyes, Jan Dixon, Jackie Riley, staff Lee Richter, Amy Stone, and my husband.
"There have been those days when "I got up on the wrong side of bed," and was just not in a pretty mood," Ms. Northrup adds. "When I would get to the office, I'd look over to the garden and see the flowing ribbons. I then would walk over to the garden and reflect on how fortunate I was, compare myself to Linda, and give myself that "swift kick in the butt" I so needed."
Take a minute to walk through Linda's Blooms at Toledo Botanical Garden. Melt into the swaying grasses, touch the soft foliage beginning to wither for the season, and let your mind drift to those who fight the battle against breast cancer.
A plaque reads, "God gave us memories so we might have roses in December."
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