ROCKWALL, TX (Nov. 12, 2025) You’ve likely seen columns and photos from me regarding my former garden The Mildscape. I’m sharing this delightful view one final time. I started the garden from bare ground, four and a half years ago. A crew removed the sod, set the stone border, and the first trees were planted. Then it was my turn. I planted bushes, roses, perennials, put in stone pathways and pebbled areas; and each year a tiny percent of the garden was dotted with annuals to bloom during the heat beating of August in Texas.
The photo here, taken in late August, does not show the entire garden. I have never been able to capture it all in one photo! It is representative of the garden, which stretches from end to end across the back, extending up each side of the yard, comprising more than two-thirds of the back plot.
My gardener’s passion and joy bubbled over in these years, learning and growing in the seasons of that beautiful space. The established garden amazed us. In five years, the change was beyond my vision.
Four weeks ago, I passed the garden to a new mistress; and we began our move back to our hometown of Rowlett, fifteen miles across the lake. Folks have been shocked, as the former place was intended to be our final home. We thought it would be our last abode and had it built and appointed with that in mind. Several compelling reasons drew us back to the place I write from today, and a most lovely new owner is delighted to take over The Mildscape.
I was not sad to leave. The cycle was complete for my time there, and I only say farewell; the new owner and I have struck up a friendship. I will share her enthusiasm in seeing what next spring brings to her new Mildscape.
Our move brought us to a well-established neighborhood, bordered by a creek, with curving, hilly lanes. This new place holds huge trees and wonderful spaces in the backyard for planting, in the years to come. For now, my work is cut out for me – settling the interior. The task of unpacking has gone slower than I would have thought, but in the past week, the final boxes were emptied, and the house is becoming our Home. Though I scaled things back before the move, while unpacking boxes I culled out scads of glassware and assorted kitchen goods, and other household items. The B.O.B. has been dropping off boxfuls of donations for weeks now. I think the last items went out this morning. Y’all might want to check out the thrift store soon!
We experienced a few difficulties during this move. One piece of furniture was broken, and two large pieces would not fit through our bedroom door. That portal is not friendly to large armoires nor adjustable bed bases. (Truth: I am glad to be free of that heavy, adjustable bed frame. Box springs were delivered a week after the move.) We spent a good portion of one weekend furniture shopping. Sustained by pre-shopping Mexican food we managed to find all the pieces we needed at one store. (We added in a bookcase for the family room at the last minute, it arrives tomorrow.) Many purchases have been made at the hardware store, and online. Our porch has been loaded with boxes daily, and my finance manager is hoping that deliveries will slow down soon.
As things in the house begin to take shape, when I remember to stop and be still, I am soothed by our surroundings. Green views from all windows charm me. I have a peaceful morning view of the backyard for morning coffee. Our kitty, Bob Kilgore (pardon me – The Emperor of Everything, Bob Kilgore) spends enchanted hours at windows on all sides of the house. His day is filled with large green trees, squirrels and lizards.
After charging through long days for weeks, I can now slow down. I will be thankful and intentional in pausing to be still and soaking in this new space. As I write, a canopy of green is waving in the breeze outside my window, and dappled sunlight is pouring across my desk.
We are home again.
By contributing writer Sally Kilgore. Find more of her “Kukka” columns at BlueRibbonNews.com. Sally is married to her long-time flame, Judge Chris Kilgore. Sally’s work is published in The Dallas Morning News, Blue Ribbon News, Persimmon Tree, and Orchards Poetry. Sally writes a blog on her website, SallyAKilgore.com Contact her by email via her website.
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