Wildflowers bring couple peace
Staff writer
Although Eileen and Dean Hiebert’s wildflower garden was intended just to bring them pleasure, events last fall changed the focus.
The Hieberts had decided they wanted their own wildflower garden after spotting one in Tulsa. They drove past it several times and decided to plant their own after talking to the Tulsa gardener.
After staking out a 12-by-60-foot plot and ordering soil and the recommended mix of seeds, Dean began preparing ground in the couple’s back yard.
The day the soil was delivered, the couple learned that Eileen’s sister, Sylvia Unger, had died from cancer in South Carolina.
“Since Sylvia had loved wildflowers, we decided to make our garden a memorial for her,” Eileen said.
“She was a big lover of wildflowers,” Dean said, “so that was a big motivation for us. We definitely miss her.”
Three months later, as the Tulsa gardener had recommended, he planted the seeds.
In early spring, the first seedlings sprouted. However, this year’s extended winter necessitated precautions if the garden was to survive.
“We gathered blankets and sheets to cover the whole garden,” Eileen said. “After all danger of frost, we removed the blankets and were pleasantly surprised that the seedlings had survived.”
Now in radiant bloom, the garden has 30 varieties of flowers, including baby’s breath, bachelor button, California poppies, and sunflowers,.
Alongside the garden are two Rose of Sharon trees the couple’s church, Good News Christian Fellowship, donated in memory of Sylvia.
“Now, as we look at the beautiful array of flowers, we believe the hard work has been worth it,” Eileen said. “It’s a way our dear sister Sylvia lives on in our memories.
“I believe that the whole project from start to finish was orchestrated by God, our creator who gives us all good things,” Eileen said.