My beautiful, creative and wonderful wife and soulmate passed far too early from this world yesterday and I am heartbroken.
She passed her last few weeks in the care of Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell and I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the exemplary care they have provided not just for her but myself as well. I could not have asked for more. Many of her friends have visited her there and I am profoundly grateful to them too.
The garden about which I ruminate has been our garden for nearly forty years and it will not be easy to take over her place in it in addition to my own but I can think of no better tribute to her than to make every effort to do so for as long as I am able. I am committed to opening for the NGS again this summer and the show must go on. The weeds never stop growing.
garden ruminations 
I am so sorry for your loss Jim. Perhaps there will be some solace in the shared garden space. Bernie
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I am so sorry to read this. Tears for you, Jim.
I am thinking of other gardeners who lost their soulmate and gardening partner, memoir writers who followed the journey forward in their writing. There is a powerful bond in creating a living garden together. Roy Strong, Derek Tangye, Mirabel Osler, Gladys Taber (her book Another Path is a particular favorite). I see vibrancy and kindness shining out from Sue’s photo.
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My condolences for this difficult loss, Jim. May you and your family find comfort and hope in the days to come.
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Jim: all sympathy. To loose one’s love is to loose oneself. Peace and sweet remembrancers to you.ConradSent from my iPad
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Jim, Sorry for your loss, I do not know you personally but I am sure Sue will be watching the garden from the heavens above. Sending you peace and healing.
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I’m so sorry for your loss Jim. You have created such a special garden between you and I hope that, in time, you will find peace as you tend it.
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So sorry for your loss, take care of yourself and cherish the memories and all you grew together.
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I haven’t been here long, and I unfortunately didn’t get to know Sue, but my heart is breaking with this post that you have written. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I hope you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and in the cherished memories of your garden. Cathxx
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Condolences to you 🤍🤍 Best wishes and strength to cope with the loss.
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Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that the garden, which meant so much to you both, will provide solace in the time to come.
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I am so sorry for your loss, Jim. Her greenhouses of cacti and succulents are inspirational
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This is very sad news. My profound condolences for your loss. I hope that keeping busy will help fill the void that comes with the loss of a soulmate. It is my wish that God blesses you and protects you.
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I am so sorry for your loss, Jim!
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So sorry for your loss, Jim. Sending condolences to you, your family, and friends.
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My condolences on your wife’s passing. May she rest with the blessed.
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I am sure sorry for the loss of your soulmate. I pray peace and comfort to you. May the joy you shared in the garden together still be felt.
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So sorry Jim. You guys look so wonderful and happy together!
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So sorry to hear this sad news Jim. My deepest sympathy to you and wishing you strength and peace.
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I am so sorry for your loss.
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It must be so devastating for you Jim and for all the family. I feel sure you will find so much solace and strength from yours and Sue’s exquisite garden, that means so much to you and will hold so many wonderful memories of Sue. Take care of yourself at such a sad time and my thoughts as with so many others, are with you.
Love
Deb xx
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I am so terribly sorry Jim. What a tragedy. There are no words.
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So sorry for your very big loss, Jim.
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I am so sorry; my thoughts are with you
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So sorry for your loss Jim. Our thoughts are with you and may you move through this period of grief.
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Jim, Sue sounds like a wonderful partner. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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So sorry to hear of the heartbreaking loss of your lovely wife and soulmate. Hope you will find joy in the beautiful garden you created together. Thinking of you and sending love and sympathy. Lesley
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Such a great loss. As John Muir wrote “…let nature’s peace flow into you.” May the garden bring you comfort. Thinking of you…
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Thank you for having the courage to share this devastatingly sad news with us. I hope your garden will bring you some joy in the coming months. Sending hugs xx
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I’m heartbroken to hear this news Jim. Life can be so cruel sometimes. I hope your garden brings you solace. And remember it’s okay not to be okay. Huge hugs, thinking of you xxx
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So sorry Jim. There are no words that will help, only time will heal. Accept all offers of help and support and company.
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What a terrible, cruel blow to lose your soulmate, I am so sad for you. My sincere condolences. It takes great courage to carry on alone with what was a shared passion for your garden. I hope it will bring you some measure of comfort.
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Dear Jim
Such sad news about Sue’s death, my heart goes out to you.
I didn’t know Sue, and only know you through your garden ruminations
blog, but she was clearly a wonderful person and your deep
partner-in-life as well as -in-garden.
Along with many others, I’m sure, I send my love to you at this time.
Dilys x
(no need to reply)
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oh Jim, I’m so sorry to read this. Sending all my love to you at this terribly sad time. I hope your garden is a comfort to you in the coming days and weeks.
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I am so sad for you and your loss….Please accept my deepest condolences, and know that the social media community is still there to support you, as I can see.🙏
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What a loss and great sadness for those who loved and knew her, particularly you. Keep her in your heart and tend your garden. My sincere condolences.
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So sorry to hear this news. Best wishes to you and your family.
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Sending you very heartfelt condolences. Virtual friends we may be but we are sending you very real support for the coming months.
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I’m so sorry.
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Dear Jim I am so very very sorry to read this. No words are adequate, but you have my sincere condolences. With best wishes Rebecca
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This heartbreaking news. I can only imagine what you’re going through at the moment. I hope the garden you shared for so long brings you peace and happy memories.
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I’m so sorry. I hope you will find a little solace in the garden and the greenhouse.
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My heart is breaking for you Jim, sometimes life seems dreadfully unfair. I have no doubt you will make Sue very proud. Sending love and strength to you and your family xxx
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I’m so sorry for your loss Jim. Thoughts are with you at this time. Take care of yourself.
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