Today, the tendrils of Madame Galen trumpet creeper have snaked under the patio and climb the trunks of the pines, and son David has added additional supports for the vines growing along the fence. After Aman's husband became ill, both found the lush landscape an escape. That comfort can come from a rose or a Madame Galen trumpet creeper vine. David added a cover over the patio to give his father a more sheltered place to enjoy the outdoors after ALS left him immobile. The covered area proves a perfect vantage point for taking in the intricacies and the beauty of the garden.
Some flowers only live a short amount of time.
Perhaps David refers to the fading roses along the wall or the fragile impatiens bravely enduring the late-summer sun. Of perhaps he refers to his father and his younger brother, Philip, who died in April at age 26. After Philip's death, David extended the garden, fencing in a small area and dedicating the space to his brother. He and his mother have planted a collection of caladiums, ferns and coleus under the oleanders that drape over the fence. Lucy Aman recalls working alongside Philip in the garden, and many of the plants are living reminders of him.